Pedro Paterno facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pedro Alejandro Paterno
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| President of the National Assembly Concurrently as President of the Council of Government (1899) |
|
| In office September 15, 1898 – March 23, 1901 |
|
| Appointed by | National Assembly |
| Preceded by | Inaugural holder |
| Succeeded by | Sergio Osmeña as Speaker of the Philippine Assembly |
| 2nd Prime Minister of the Philippines | |
| In office May 7, 1899 – November 13, 1899 |
|
| President | Emilio Aguinaldo |
| Deputy | Trinidad Pardo de Tavera |
| Preceded by | Apolinario Mabini |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished (Position next held by Ferdinand Marcos) |
| President of the Revolutionary Congress | |
| In office September 18, 1898 – January 23, 1899 |
|
| President | Emilio Aguinaldo |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Member of the Philippine Assembly from La Laguna's 1st District | |
| In office October 16, 1907 – May 20, 1909 |
|
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Potenciano Malvar |
| Member of the Malolos Congress from Ilocos Norte | |
| In office September 15, 1898 – November 13, 1899 Serving with Gregorio Aglipay, Primitivo Donato, Martín García, José Luna, and Pio Romero
|
|
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Pedro Alejandro Paterno y de Vera Ignacio
February 27, 1857 Manila, Captaincy General of the Philippines, Spanish Empire |
| Died | April 26, 1911 (aged 54) Manila, Philippine Islands |
| Resting place | Manila North Cemetery |
| Political party | Nacionalista (1907–1911) Independent (1898–1907) |
| Spouse |
Luisa Pineyro y Merino
(m. 1890; |
| Alma mater | Ateneo Municipal de Manila |
| Profession | Poet Novelist |
Pedro Alejandro Paterno y de Vera Ignacio (February 27, 1857 – April 26, 1911) was an important Filipino politician, poet, and novelist. He is known for his role in the Philippine Revolution and for changing his political alliances during different periods of Philippine history.
He helped arrange the Pact of Biak-na-Bato in 1897, which was a peace agreement between the Spanish and Filipino revolutionaries. Paterno also wrote the first novel by a native Filipino, Ninay (1885). He also published the first collection of Filipino poems in Spanish, Sampaguitas y otras poesías varias ("Jasmines and Other Various Poems"), in 1880.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Pedro Paterno was born on February 17, 1857, into a wealthy family in Manila. He was one of 13 children of Don Máximo Paterno and Doña Carmen de Vera Ignacio. His father, Máximo, was sent away to Guam for ten years after the 1872 Cavite mutiny.
Paterno completed his Bachiller en Artes at Ateneo Municipal de Manila. When he was 14, he went to Spain to study. He spent 11 years there, attending the University of Salamanca and the Central University of Madrid (now Complutense University of Madrid).
At Salamanca, he studied Philosophy and Theology. In Madrid, he earned a degree in law in 1880.
Early Works and Recognition
In 1876, Paterno wrote his first major work, Influencia Social del Cristanismo. This work showed his interest in Spanish culture and explored themes like social evolution and the value of reason.
In 1893, he received the Order of Isabella the Catholic, a Spanish civil order. The next year, in March 1894, he became the first Filipino to be appointed Director of the Museo Biblioteca de Filipinas (now National Library of the Philippines).
Role in the Philippine Revolution
Pedro Paterno played a key part in the events leading up to the Philippine Revolution. He was known for his connections with Spanish officials.
The Pact of Biak-na-Bato
In 1897, Filipino revolutionary forces, led by General Emilio Aguinaldo, were fighting against the Spanish. They had retreated to Biak-na-Bato in Bulacan and formed the Republic of Biak-na-Bato.
In July 1897, Paterno offered to help mediate between the Spanish and the revolutionaries. He knew Governor-General Fernando Primo de Rivera from his time in Spain. Primo de Rivera accepted Paterno's offer, hoping to end the fighting.
Paterno began talks on August 4, 1897. For three months, he traveled between Manila, Biak-na-Bato, and other areas. During these negotiations, his wife, Luisa, passed away. On December 14-15, 1897, Aguinaldo signed the Pact of Biak-na-Bato. This agreement officially ended the Philippine Revolution for a time. Aguinaldo then left for Hong Kong on December 27.
Paterno returned to Manila in January 1898. He was celebrated, but his requests for a dukedom, a seat in the Spanish Senate, and payment for his services were not granted by the Spanish authorities.
Political Career and Leadership
Paterno continued to be involved in Philippine politics during the shift from Spanish to American rule.
President of the Malolos Congress
In September 1898, Paterno was elected as a delegate from Ilocos Norte. He became the President of the Malolos Congress. This was an important assembly that created the First Philippine Republic.
Prime Minister of the First Philippine Republic
In mid-1899, Paterno served as the prime minister of the First Philippine Republic. He led the country's assembly and its cabinet. In April 1900, American forces captured Paterno in Antomoc, Benguet.
During the American Colonial Period
After the Philippine–American War began, Paterno changed his political stance. He supported the American side and believed the Philippines should become part of the United States.
He owned and edited a newspaper called La Patria. In his newspaper, he promoted American rule and expressed gratitude towards Spain for bringing civilization to the Filipinos.
In 1907, Paterno was elected to the Philippine Assembly. He represented the La Laguna's 1st district in the 1st Philippine Legislature. He served in this role until his term ended in 1909.
Pedro Paterno passed away from cholera on April 26, 1911.
Legacy and Historical View
Pedro Paterno was a very prominent figure during the birth of the Philippine nation. However, his legacy is often viewed with mixed feelings by Philippine historians and nationalists.
Some historians note that Paterno's changing political alliances and his desire for high social standing sometimes led to criticism.
List of Works
- Influencia Social del Cristianismo, 1876 pamphlet
- Sampaguitas y otras poesías varias, 1880 anthology of poems
- Ninay, 1885 novel
- Magdapio, 1903 four-part opera
- Aurora social, 1910–11 collection of novellas
- Los ultimos romanticos: en la erupción del Volcán de Taal, 1911
Media Portrayals
Pedro Paterno has been shown in several films and musicals:
- Portrayed by Yul Servo in the film, El Presidente (2012).
- Portrayed by Leo Martinez in the film, Heneral Luna (2015), and its sequel, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018).
- Portrayed by JV Ibesate in the musical of Tanghalang Pilipino, Mabining Mandirigma.
Images for kids
-
The Filipino negotiators for the Pact of Biak-na-Bato. Seated from left to right: Paterno and Emilio Aguinaldo with five companions.
-
Emilio Aguinaldo and Pedro A. Paterno miniature model at Barasoain Church (in the horse carriage-parade for Aguinaldo's oath-taking as Philippine President on January 23, 1899).
See also
