Legionarios del Trabajo de Filipinas Daguhoy Masonic Lodge number 528
setName: label: See more items in
content: Filipino Agricultural Workers Collection
bioghist: label: Biographical
content: Founder Domingos Ponce was born in an era when the labor movement was gaining momentum in the Philippines. In 1919, he found himself deeply involved in the Manila Electric Company strike, a pivotal moment in the history of labor movements in the country. During this time, a Committee of the Congreso de Filipinas and strike leaders frequently convened secret meetings at the Labor Hall in Quiapo, Manila, to strategize and communicate with the striking workforce. The aim was to maintain secrecy in their discussions to protect their interests.

These clandestine meetings were crucial, as they laid the foundation of a new labor fraternity. Under the leadership and vision of Domingo Ponce, a plan was hatched to establish a secret society dedicated to the welfare of laborers. The society would be known as the "Legionarios del Trabajo." In these days, initiation rituals were developed and implemented, ensuring that only dedicated and trusted members were allowed to participate in the society's activities.

Despite the secretive nature of these meetings, news of their discussions began to surface in newspapers, leading to concerns about potential leaks. Ponce proposed a rigorous initiation process to safeguard the fraternity's secrets and maintain the integrity of its members.
The Legionarios del Trabajo was official formed, with Domingo Ponce serving as its first Grand Master. This marked the birth of the first lodge, "Kalimbas," numbered 101. Subsequent lodges, including T. Pinpin. Magat-Salamat, and Plaridel, emerged, spreading the fraternity's influence across Luzon. The society also extended its reach to the Visayas and Mindanao.

The Legionarios faced severe opposition from various quarters, including the Roman Catholic Church, which excommunicated members, and the Grand Lodge of Free Masonry, which initially banned masons from joining the fraternity. Despite these challenges the Legionarios persisted, and eventually, masons were allowed to join both organizations.

Throughout its early years, the Legionarios encountered persecution from government officials who suspected Ponce of radical and communist affiliations. False rumors spread, further heightening hostilities towards the fraternity. Ponce, in an effort to protect the society, resigned as Grand Master during the 1927 National Convention. This marked a challenging period for the Legionarios, but the society survived. 

Today, the Legionarios del Trabajo stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its early members, with Domingo Ponce at the forefront of its history. The society continues to promote the values of democracy, labor, and unity among laborers, carrying forward the legacy of its founder, and the pioneering spirit of those who dedicated their lives to the cause of workers' rights and justice.
unitdate: label: Date
content: 1928-1935, undated
dataSource: label: Archival Repository
content: Archives Center, National Museum of American History
identifier: label: Identifier
content: NMAH.AC.1515, Series 23
objectType: label: Type
content: Archival materials
scopecontent: label: Scope and Contents
content: Comprises of black and white photographs that predominantly document Legionarios del Trabajo: Daguhoy Lodge Number 528 activities in Stockton, California during the 1930s. Primarily depicts notable social events like funeral services, banquets, and parades, the photograph also include images of unidentified dignitaries. While the materials lack information on the organization's history, they offer valuable insights into social, cultural, and community life. The material serve as a primary source for understanding the fraternal organization's history, traditions, and dynamics in the 1930s. Materials are arranged in chronological order.