ignrantia

Ang Dapat Mabatid Ng Mga Tagalog, translated by Epifanio Delos Santos

from Tagalog, is an article written by Andres Bonifacio also known to its English
title conversion What The Filipinos Should Know. This was published in the
first and only circulated issue of the Kalayaan in March 1896. It is a politicalhistorical essay wherein Bonifacio exhorts the Tagalogs to free themselves from
colonial bondage. He points out that the time has come to open their eyes, rise in
arms, and restore the countrys dignity which was trampled by three hundred years
of Spanish rule.
For three hundred years being under the control of the Spaniards, how many
of the Filipinos have strained to liberate the nation from the cruel hands they
enacted upon the Tagalogs that time? Only few. Only those who have the audacity
to live without being oppressed and reinstate the glory of our nation. This includes
the supremo Andres Bonifacio, who have lead the Filipinos with their mission of
gaining the independence from Spain. He founded the Katipunan, a revolutionary
society, initiated by Filipino patriots Andrs Bonifacio (himself), Teodoro Plata,
Ladislao Diwa, and others on the night of July 7, when Filipino writer Jos Rizal
was to be banished to Dapitan. Initially, the Katipunan was a secret organization
until its discovery in 1896 that led to the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution. In
his work, he reiterated what had happened even before the colonizers came and set
their foot and leave traces in our land and the current condition while the Spanish
were here.
Of old, previous to the arrival of the Spaniards, these Islands were
governed by our own compatriots who were then living in the greatest abundance
and prosperity. Katagalugan enjoyed a life of great abundance and prosperity
and there was wealth and good behavior in everyone. Then the Spaniards came and
appeared to offer and guide the Tagalogs toward increased betterment that
eventually lead to the most miserable and forlorn moment and fate for the
Filipinos. They were seduced by the sweetness of such enticing words. They
promised them paradise, but they brought nothing but lies.
Andres Bonifacio had written not only to remind his countrymen on the
unwanted situation they were in, but rather apprise them to take action and be on

the same side with them who were willing to sacrifice their existence just to
liberate the whole nation from the abominable government. He may be hoping that
his work would trigger them to enlighten the people whose minds were clouded by
delusional thoughts of hope vowed to them by the Spanish and open their eyes
from the blinding unrealistic oath.
It is time that the light of truth should shine; time that we should show
determination, honor, shame, and mutual cooperation. 120 years have passed,
but this specific line still holds up very significant meaning which is applicable up
until to this day if we are going to talk about the present-day condition of the
Philippines and the Filipinos. Sadly, if hes alive now, he wouldnt be pleased with
what hes going to see. A country with an unscrupulous government system
composed of fraudulent and unprincipled leaders with a bunch of ill-informed
puppet followers. A country with citizens who have no sense of nationalism.
We know the truth, but we opt not to know the real truth. We are contented
of what is presented to us by the media, the textbooks and the hearsays. We are
afraid to go beyond the information that are given to us. We are coward to do or
say the opposite of what most of the people do and say even though we knew they
have fallacious conviction.
We, are the ignorant.
Ignorance is bliss, maybe right.
That is what Filipinos could know and should know by reading this
intellectual reminder from the supremo.