By: Alexes Gerald C. Pambid

A historic occasion has unfolded at Padre Burgos Elementary School as for the first time in 118 years, a bust of the Padre Jose Burgos was erected. Held at the school grounds, the unveiling was witnessed by Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, City Councilors, Deped officials, teachers, parents and students alike. They came to commemorate the legacy of a man whose courage and intellect has shaped the nation’s pursuit of justice and equality.

Padre Burgos was a born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur in 1837. He entered the priesthood and rose to prominence, advocating equality and rights for Filipino priests. At the time, the Spanish colonial government systematically limited the influence and power of native priests, who were often replaced by Spanish friars. Burgos, along with his contemporaries, sought to reform the Church by advocating for Filipino priests to take positions in the Catholic Church, challenging the entrenched Spanish colonial practices.

              His advocacy, however, would lead to his martyrdom. Padre Burgos was falsely implicated in the 1872 Cavite Mutiny, a revolt by Filipino workers against the Spanish regime, and was executed by garrote on February 17, 1872, alongside fellow Filipino priests Mariano Gómez and Jacinto Zamora. Their deaths became a symbol of oppression and injustice, galvanizing the Filipino people’s desire for independence.

A Tribute to His Legacy

The unveiling of the bust was a fitting tribute to a man who sacrificed his life for the cause of Filipino rights and dignity. The bust was sponsored by City Councilor Joey Calixto-Isidro with the request from PBES SPTA, headed by Mrs. Joanna Ramo.

              In their speeches, City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano and Dr. Maria Liza Cabildo, school principal, emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices and legacy of the martyrdom of Padre Jose Burgos.

The unveiling of the bust is part of the broader effort by the school to recognize the historical importance of Padre Burgo’s crucial role in the country’s struggle for independence. Padre Burgos, along with his fellow martyr-priests, is a symbol of the Filipino people’s long journey toward liberation from Spanish rule.