Rosendo Mejica, born in 1873 in Iloilo City, was a pioneering Ilonggo journalist, public servant, and educator who founded Makinaugalingon, the longest-running Hiligaynon newspaper, and translated Rizal’s novels into the local language. After becoming the first certified public accountant in Iloilo, he served briefly as Bacolod’s municipal treasurer before returning to Iloilo, where he established the first public school building under American rule in 1905. He formed the Mga Baybayanon (The Seaside Dwellers), making learning more accessible to underprivileged children. Mejica also founded Union Obrera to protect workers’ rights and served on the Iloilo city council for 30 years, contributing to major public works like Molo Boulevard and the old city hall. Through his journalism and civic leadership, he fiercely advocated for Filipino nationalism, exposing colonial corruption and promoting cultural pride. His legacy lives on through the Rosendo Mejica Library and Museum, a testament to his impact on education, media, and public service in Visayas.
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Photo Credit/s:
Panay News, n.d.
Mappers:
Kristine Nicole G. Maprangala, Ixxy G. Precioso
Tags:
Bacolod municipal treasurer, early 20th century Philippines, Filipino labor rights advocate, Filipino nationalism, Filipino nationalist journalist, Filipino public education pioneer, Hiligaynon literature, Hiligaynon newspaper founder, Iloilo City councilor, Iloilo history, Iloilo journalist, Iloilo public works, Ilonggo public servant, Makinaugalingon newspaper, Mga Baybayanon group, Rosendo Mejica, Rosendo Mejica Library, translator of Rizal novels, Union Obrera founder, Visayan cultural pride
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