SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

5622

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE CATHERINE BARCELONA-REYES M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Jose Maria Panganiban was an ardent scholar and a devoted Filipino
Propagandist who never stopped using his writing skills as a means to condemn the ills

of the Spanish hegemony in the Philippines during his lifetime.

Born on February 1, 1863 in the town of Mambulao (eventually renamed
Municipality of Jose Panganiban in December 1, 1934 through Act No. 4155),
Camarines Norte. Having lost his mother at a tender age, Jose Panganiban was raised
by his father who served as the Clerk of Court in Daet, Camarines Norte. He eventually
attended the Holy Rosary Seminary (El Seminario del Santissimo Rosario) in the then
named town of Nueva Caceres (now Naga City), Camarines Sur. During his studies at
the seminary, he became the favorite student of the rector, Father Santoja. It was also
during his early academic years when his superior intellect, and exceptional writing and

speaking skills became apparent.

Through his brilliance, Jose Panganiban eventually obtained a recommendation
to attend the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila where he earned a Bachelor of
Arts degree. Motivated by his desire to become a medical doctor, he later attended the
University of Santo Tomas to take up Medicine. During his stay there, he also earned

numerous recognitions for his papers and other literary works.


In 1888, Jose Panganiban made the journey to Spain to continue his medical
studies at the University of Barcelona. It was there where he met other Filipino
Tustrados and scholars who were fighting for reforms in the Philippines. He joined our
national hero, Jose Rizal, in organizations like the La Solidaridad where they used the
power of the pen to criticize the Spanish corruptions and inefficiencies in governing
their Philippine Colony. A true reformist, he used the pen names “J.M.P” and “Jomapa”

in writing impassioned commentaries that spurred on the reform movement.

A true patriot to the very end, Jose Panganiban fought through poverty and
disease to fight for his country. In August 19, 1890, Jose Panganiban finally
succumbed to the depredation of tuberculosis. He was buried in Barcelona, where his
fellow propagandists deeply mourned his death. His remains were eventually brought
home where it now lies, in a monument in the town named after him in Camarines
Norte.

In recognition of the patriotism and heroism of Jose Panganiban as a son of
Camarines Norte, this bill seeks to declare every February 1* as a special non-working
holiday in the Municipality of Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte.

HON. CA‘
Repre
First District,


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

9
House Bill No. __ 564 a

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE CATHERINE BARCELONA-REYES M.D.

AN ACT
DECLARING FEBRUARY 1° OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL NON-
WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF JOSE PANGANIBAN,
CAMARINES NORTE, TO BE KNOWN AS “JOSE PANGANIBAN DAY”

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. In recognition of the achievements, patriotism, and heroism of
Camarines Norte native Jose Maria Panganiban during his lifetime, February 1
of every year is hereby declared a special non-working holiday in the Municipality
of Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte to commemorate the birth anniversary of

Bicol's most ardent reformist, most brilliant scholar, and greatest propagandist.
SECTION 1. This Act shall take effect upon approval.

Approved,