“It’s about time to not only re-read but to also rethink and revisit.”
The statement fittingly encapsulates the spirit of this month’s Visiting Scholar’s Lecture organized by the Center of West Visayan Studies. For this month, CWVS invited Mr. Francisco Villanueva, a Canadian-based historian and independent researcher, to talk about the historiography behind the life of Ilonggo hero and propagandist, Graciano Lopez Jaena, at the UPV Little Theater, Iloilo City Campus.
The lecture was attended not only by UPV students, faculty, staff, and alumni, but also by guests from different institutions such as Central Philippine University, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, University of San Agustin, West Visayas State University, Ateneo de Iloilo High School, among others. The pool of attendees also featured Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza, Dr. Reynaldo Gustilo, UP High School in Iloilo Batch 1965, as well as members and representatives from the Dr. Graciano Lopez Jaena Foundation, Inc.
Dr. Rhodella Ibabao, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development, delivered the opening remarks, welcoming the attendees on behalf of UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano. In her message, Dr. Ibabao stressed the importance of remembering and preserving our local history, especially for younger generations.
Assistant Professor Frances Anthea Redison, Director of the CWVS, introduced Mr. Franscis Villanueva, highlighting his extensive research on 19th century Philippine history personalities, particularly his work on the First Filipino Photographer, Felix Laureano. She also noted that his works have led to various exhibitions, symposiums, and lectures in both the Philippines and abroad.
During his talk, Mr. Villanueva illustrated the “case” against Lopez Jaena, noting the popular critiques regarding Lopez Jaena’s heroism. He pointed out that popular historians, drawn mainly from the well-known memoirs of fellow ilustrado Jose Alejandrino, have left rather negative impressions of the Ilonggo hero, focusing more on his personality and behavior rather than his intellectual contributions. To “save” Lopez Jaena’s memory, Mr. Villanueva asserted that there is more to the national hero than what mainstream historians have written about. Using primary sources from his research in Spain, he elaborated Lopez Jaena’s role in the late 19th century socio-political climate in Spain, especially his involvement and connection with the growing Catalan nationalist movement in Barcelona. Beyond being an editor for known Filipino reform organs, i.e. La Solidaridad, Lopez Jaena was also responsible for editing several radical and progressive Spanish newspapers and was a constant guest to Spanish intellectual circles during his time in Spain. Mr. Villanueva also noted the dearth of scholarly work on Lopez Jaena and encouraged the audience to move beyond the seemingly trivial anecdotes surrounding Lopez Jaena and instead emphasize his active intellectual rigor for the nationalistic cause.
The lecture was followed by an open forum where Lopez Jaena’s significance in Philippine history and society was further explored. Discussions included the relationship between Lopez Jaena and his fellow ilustrados like Jose Rizal and Marcelo H del Pilar, his position to the Filipino intellectuals in Madrid, and his role in the history of the Filipino diaspora. Moreover, questions about social class and Manila-centric perspectives were raised by several attendees, providing further discussion points. Mr. Villanueva reiterated the importance of revisiting the historiography behind Lopez Jaena through renewed research, relevant memorial activities, and more. Representatives from the Dr. Graciano Lopez Jaena Foundation, Inc., also shared details about their ongoing celebrations and commemorations for Lopez Jaena, materials for educational purposes, and offered possible activities and opportunities for collaboration.
At the end of the talk, a certificate of appreciation was presented to Mr. Villanueva for sharing his time and knowledge and his valuable contribution to the ever-enriching scholarship of 19th century local history.
On the other hand, students from P.I. 100 sections 7 and 8 organized an interactive exhibit showcasing 19th century Iloilo in the lobby of the Little Theater, allowing guests and attendees to both observe and engage.
