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Tag: first filipino engineer

By Renz Katigbak Posted on 28 Jul 202231 Jan 2023

Championing Filipino Identity and Inspiring the Young Professionals of Today: The Life and Legacy of José Petronio M. Katigbak (1879-1916)

“No one who came to know Petronio ever forgot him. Not because of his good looks or of his personality, or of his charm. In fact, he was an extraordinarily … Continue reading Championing Filipino Identity and Inspiring the Young Professionals of Today: The Life and Legacy of José Petronio M. Katigbak (1879-1916)

Categories: lipa city history, Prominent LipeñosTags: Engineering School in the Philippines, filipino ilustrado, Filipino poet, Filipino writer in Spanish, first filipino engineer, first filipino harvard student, hispanofilipino, jose petronio katigbak, Katigbak Drive, Katigbak Pkwy, Philippine engineering history, pioneer filipino engineer, study of engineering in the philippines

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On March 24, 1899, a groundbreaking newspaper during the revolutionary period was published in Lipa, Batangas. Originally called "Columnas Volantes," the publication's name was later changed to "Columnas Volantes de la Federación Malaya" to broaden its reach. What makes this newspaper significant is that its writers/contributors expressed patriotic sentiments and a fierce determination to resist the American occupation of the Philippines. In each issue, the writers made clear their intention to continue the struggle for freedom, igniting and sustaining the spirit of Filipino nationalism during this critical period in our history. It's also interesting to note that the newspaper was printed in an old minerva, a printing press managed by a group of Spanish prisoners of war. Despite being prisoners, the Spanish soldiers were treated with chivalry by Lipa's local authorities, and their skills in printing were put to good use. The chief typesetter was a sergeant of the cazadores, who had prior experience working in a printing press in Spain during his civilian life.

Despite losing much of its tangible heritage during World War II, Lipa's history can still be retrieved through the use of modern technology. Thanks to digital archives, we can now access and learn about our past in new ways. For example, this newspaper clipping from 1888 recently resurfaced and revealed an exquisite allegorical illustration that graced the cover of the program-invitation for Lipa's elevation into a "Villa". To bring this artwork back to life, we are grateful to the talented Filipino historical illustrator, Mr. Derrick Macutay, for recreating the drawing based on the featured document.

The most talented, beautiful, and graceful young Lipeñas formed the Asociación de Cruz Roja de Lipa (Lipa Red Cross Women's Society) in 1899. These women, under Soledad Aguilera Solís' leadership, organized social activities that benefited the Armed Forces of the 1st Philippine Republic and provided clothing for the soldiers. Through the Columnas Volantes de la Federación Malaya, a newspaper published in Lipa during the revolutionary period of 1899-1900, we are able to obtain the names of the members of this patriotic and noble organization for women.

A Chemistry professor turned "First Filipina Maryknoll Sister" - Dolores Kalaw y Katigbak, born on March 9, 1904, in Lipa, Batangas, was the daughter of the prominent Lipeño couple Don Cipriano Kalaw, a respected lawyer and revolutionary figure, and Doña Felisa Katigbak. While growing up, Dolores was exposed to the cultural and intellectual milieu of her family and her hometown Lipa. At the University of the Philippines, she obtained a degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in 1927, a field uncommon for women during her time. She excelled academically and became a respected Philippine Women's University Chemistry and Bacteriology professor. Despite her successful career, she felt called to religious life and joined the Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic in New York in July 1930, taking the name Sr. María Concepción. After completing her religious formation, she returned to the Philippines in 1934 and continued her work in education and community development in the towns of Lucena, Jimenez, and Panabo. She founded KIPANA, a self-help organization that empowered the barrio people through education and skills training. Sister Maria Concepción Kalaw died peacefully on July 19, 1973, leaving behind a legacy of community service and social transformation.#herstory #filipina #womenempowerment #empoweringwomen #lipeña #lipacity #maryknollsisters #maryknoll #educator #chemistryprofessor #empoweredfilipina #womensmonth

Here is a newspaper clipping dated January 22, 1888 with the details of the pompous celebration of Lipa's elevation into a VILLA. Unfortunately, it proved to be the coffee industry’s funeral; for in the year that followed, in 1889, the coffee trees began to die. This industry that had brought wealth, splendor, and fame to Lipa was no more. The superstitious Lipeños, not knowing the origin of the death of the plants, blamed the cause to the coincidence that the beautiful ladies and not the images of saints were placed on the beautiful floats that paraded during the celebration.

Did you know that there are 4 streets in Manila that were named after 4 Lipeño intellectuals and patriots?

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