GRACIANO LOPEZ-JAENA

Born in Jaro, Iloilo, on December 18, 1856.

A Filipino Journalist and Orator

Revolutionist from Iloilo

And was famous for his written work the “La Solidaridad”.

Son of Placido López (a general rapairman) and Maria Jacoba Jaena (a seamstress).

“FRAY BOTOD” At the age of 18 he had the audacity

to write the story

Although it was not published a copy circulated in the region but the Friars could not prove that López Jaena was the author.

Lopez-Jaena in Spain There he was to become a leading

literary and oratorical spokesman for the cause of Filipino freedom

Historians regard López Jaena, along with Marcelo del Pilar and José Rizal, as the triumvirate of Filipino propagandists

Of these three López Jaena was the first to arrive and may be said the Genesis of the Propaganda movement.

Lopez-Jaena pursued his medical studies at University of Valencia but didn’t finish it.

Once Rizal reproached Lopéz Jaena for not finishing his medical studies. Graciano replied."

"On the shoulders of slaves should not rest a doctor's cape.“

Rizal countermanded,

, "The shoulders do not honor the doctor's cape, but the doctor's cape

honors the shoulders."

LA SOLIDARIDAD In addition he is remembered for his literary

contributions to the propaganda movement. He founded the fortnightly newspaper, La Solidaridad (Solidarity).

created in 1888 in SpaIN to represent and advocate the Filipino cause at the Spanish parliament.

Headed by Dr. Ljose rizal's cousin, Galicano ApacibLE , it also issued a newspaper of the same name which was published in Barcelona between 1889 and 1895.

One can see in the first issue the aims of the La Solidaridad. The first is to spread and to defend the aspirations of democracy. The second is to support the growth of politics, science, art, literature, and commerce.

Several writers contributed to La Solidaridad over its six years of existence, like Antonio Luna Anastacio Carpio, Mariano Ponce, Antonio M.a Regidor, José M.a Panganiban, Isabelo delos Reyes, Eduardo de Lete, José Alejandrino, and Pedro Paterno. One of the most prolific contributors though was Rizal's confidante Ferdinand Blumentritt, whose impassioned defense of the Filipino interests was said to have been inspirational to the other writers and the readers of the newspaper alike.[2]

Death of Graciano Lopez-Jaena

He died of Tuberculosis on January 20, 1896.

His Death was followed on July 4th by Marcelo H. del Pilar and, on December 30th of jose Rizal by firing squad.

Two and a half years before the declaration of independence from Spain by Emilio Aguinaldo. Had he lived longer, his accomplishments would have doubtless been greater.