Mightier than the Sword: Four National Heroes Who Fought with Pen

To be called a hero, does one need to wield a sword against the enemy? Do you need to fight on the battlefield and offer your life? Or should you have superpowers to save people, or a cool costume and a strong weapon to defeat the bad guys, just like Darna or Captain Barbell? Here’s the twist: some of the greatest heroes in history didn’t need any of that.

Contrary to how heroes are portrayed on movies, many Philippine heroes fought with a pen in hand and a patriotic heart. When peace and freedom were stripped away, they used their words to fuel the flames of nationalism and ignited a revolution. Let’s remember these inspiring heroes and share their stories with your children, especially if they too have a way with words

1. Marcelo H. Del Pilar

Marcelo H. Del Pilar was a pioneer in Filipino journalismfounding the first bilingual newspaper in the Philippines, Diariong Tagalog. Writing in the language of his own countrymen brought him closer to their hearts. Under the pen name Plaridel, he bravely exposed the abuses and corruption of Spanish friars, using poetry and pamphlets to rally his compatriots for freedom. His powerful words deepened the meaning of "Kalayaan" (freedom) and inspired the revolutionary Katipuneros to adopt it as the name of their newspaper.

Del Pilar’s unwavering desire for change turned his pen into a weapon against oppression. Follow his inspiring journey in this episode of Bayani!

2. Emilio Jacinto

Emilio Jacinto, one of the youngest revolutionaries, was known as the brain of the Katipunan. He authored the official handbook of the KKK, titled “Kartilya”, which encouraged Filipinos to prepare for sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom. His simple yet impactful writing style helped boost the group’s membership from 300 to 30,000, solidifying their revolutionary power. For Jacinto, his pen was a tool for unity.. Get inspired by his passion in this Bayani episode.

3. Jose Rizal

Jose Rizal’s writings have left a mark on Philippine history. As a hero of thought, he authored several works like “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo”, which illuminated societal ills of his time and awakened the consciousness of his fellow Filipinos for the need of true freedom.

Although exiled, imprisoned, and faced with countless threats, Rizal’s devotion to the nation did not waver. His pen was a weapon that broke ignorance and ignited the spark of a revolution. Learn more about Rizal’s pivotal role in the fight for Philippine independence in this Bayani episode!

4. Ditto Sarmiento

In a time when press freedom was suppressed, Ditto Sarmiento, the Editor-in-Chief of “Philippine Collegian”, fearlessly reported on illegal arrests and demanded the release of political prisoners. His passionate writing inspired young people to protest and fight against human rights violations. For Sarmiento, his pen served as a voice for the silenced and oppressed. Discover his courageous story in this episode of Bayani!

For more inspiring hero stories check out and follow Knowledge Channel in YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X)!