Contemporary Analysis on Gregoria De Jesus and the

Katipunan: A Case Study Analysis

A Case Study

Presented to
FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

Institute of Accounts, Business, and Finance

Makati

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

Readings in Philippine History

Moira Ablanida

Angela Arellano

James Cerrero

Athena Racelis

Roderica Regoris

Section 2
1
 Copyright by Ablanida,Arellano,Cerrero,Racelis and
Regoris 2019
All Rights Reserved

2
 Table of Contents

Acknowledgement ………………………………………………………………………………… 2

I. Executive Summary ………………………………………………………………………………… 3

II. Statement of the Problem ………………………………………………………………………… 4

III. Areas of Consideration …………………………………………………………………………… 6-9

1. Internal Environment

SWOT ANALYSIS ………………………………………………………………………………… 8-9

IV. Assumption ………………………………………………………………………………… 9

V. Alternative Courses of Action ……………………………………………………………… 10

VI. Analysis of Alternative Courses of Action …………………………… 10-

11

VII. Recommendation ………………………………………………………………………………… 11

VIII. Plan of Action ………………………………………………………………………………… 12-

29

IX. Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………

X. Appendix …………………………………………………………………………………

1. Case Study …………………………………………………………………………………

2. Curriculum Vitae …………………………………………………………………………………

3
Acknowledgement

Foremost, we would like to express our profound gratitude

to our professor Mr. Narciso Isidro for the continuous support

of their research study, for his persistence, motivation,

enthusiasm, and immense knowledge. His guidance helped us in all

the time of research and writing of this case study. We could

not have imagined having a better advisor and mentor for our

case study.

Also, we would like to expand our thanks to Mr. Dante B.

Canlas, Mr. Stephen Haber for allowing the researchers to

utilize some parts of their paper in the production of this

research material.

Lastly, we would like to express our sincerest gratitude to

our families for their constant motivation and support

throughout the entire production of the manuscript and without

it this case study analysis would not be successful.

4
I. Introduction

This study is bounded on the framework of Gregoria De

Jesus and the life of the Katipunan. This perceptive analysis

focuses on various scenarios and circumstances that had

occurred during the 18th century Philippine K.K.K revolution

and key issues on how it was handled. Whereas this paper tries

to consider and draw a realistic perspective and border on

the viewpoint of Gregoria de Jesus and the Katipunan on how

these unaddressed issues would be shaped. Further, the life

and autobiography of Gregoria has been the backbone of the

material of this academic paper. This has tackled numerous

issues on the presidency controversy of Bonifacio, the

feminist wave of women, and the oppression of Filipinos under

the colonization of Spain. This was treated by applicable

academic and critical solutions on social problems.

5
II. Statement of the Problem

1. How the so-called “K.K.K” can be revolutionary during

Gregoria De Jesus’ time with the rise of Emilio Aguinaldo as

president and the execution of Bonifacio?

2. What KKK could have done in order to secure the organization

as a secret?

3. How could Bonifacio and the K.K.K. have settled his dispute

against Spain?

III. Statement of Objective

IV. The study aims to:

(1) To highlight key historical people, events, and

situations that occurred in 18th century Philippines.

(2) To objectively compare and contrast various political and

historical point of views that will highly utilize critical

thinking as the main resource of this study.

(3) To analyze systematically the problem and issues as

outlined by Filipinos and relate them to real-life scenarios;

and

(4) To construct valid and practical recommendations for

alternative actions or enhancements in order develop relevant

and practical-based solution approaches

6
V. Areas of Consideration

SWOT Analysis (Internal and External Environment)

 Strengths:

- The use of secret codes / messages

- Own laws (Kartilya) and bureaucratic structure with elective

leadership

- Revolved around the principle of self-help and the oppressed

- The Compadre System

 Weaknesses:

- No clear tactics and strategies

- Different political and social motives

- Tribal/ War lord Style of Army

- Leaders are poor at understanding obliged ‘pulong’ to act,

rather than having a proper hierarchical leadership of all

factions.

- Disloyal members of the Katipunan

- Patriarchal System

7
  Opportunities:

- Wide Expanision in Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Pampanga,

Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Ilocus Sur, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan,

Bicol, and Minadano,

- Illustrados, scholars, members from nobles classes (etc.

La Liga Filipina) who willingly integrates

- The use of the Printing Press

- International Competitors or Rivals of Spain

 Threats:

- Rising Power of Aguinaldo and revolutionary Magdalo

government.

- Aguinaldo winning Tejeros election

- The Spanish Government Rule (Philippines under the

colonization of Spain) and Spain’s influential power

- Friends outside the organization

IV. Assumptions

8
 • If Bonifacio and Aguinaldo joined forces against Spain, then

there will be a higher chance to win the battle together.

• If women like Gregoria De Jesus were given an active role in

the Katipunan (K.K.K.) , then the Katipunan could have

flourished across the nation.

VI. Alternative Courses of Action (ACA’s)

PROBLEM 1:

1. Gregoria’s alliance with Spaniards

2. Gregoria recreates the K.K.K revolution (start-up)

3. Gregoria’s attempt to run for presidency

PROBLEM 2:

1. Limit the K.K.K members as a disclosed group

2. Iron-fisted type of government

3. Balance of power of both men and women in K.K.K

PROBLEM 3:

1. Immediate Declaration of War

2. Bilateral Meetings and Diplomatic Talks with Aguinaldo camp

9
3. International Alliance (e.g. Portugal)

VI. Analysis of ACA’s

Problem 1:

1. Advantage: By collaborating with the Spaniards, Gregoria De

Jesus can access to various confidential information if she sides

with the Spanish government. She will be open to Spain’s political,

military tactics. She could also know the disloyal members of

Katipunan and make a black propaganda on the Spanish government that

of being a secret spy. It may broaden the new idea, way of

thinking and social ability of Spain stereotyping the

cognitive, leadership, and military abilities of women. With

that it can be an avenue where Spaniards wouldn’t think of them

as a pose of threat to their political agenda.

Disadvantage: If this happens, there will be a small chance

to realistically happen knowing the socio-political landscape

of the Philippines that it’s too risky for Gregoria to enter

the side of their archrival after the aftermath of the K.K.K.

revolution. It’s expected for Spain to tighten their security

and eye possible revolution propagandists across the nation.

Knowing her first husband was the supremo of K.K.K and she

can be associated easily with the other witness accounts.

10
 It’s impossible for a woman to play an active role in the

Spanish regime.

2. Advantage: To be next in line to lead the K.K.K, Gregoria De

Jesus has highly mastered every angle in military and the

Katipunan group. The members of the Katipunan will trust her

the same way how they invested their trust on Andres Bonifacio.

There are remaining members all over Batangas, Laguna, Cavite,

Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Ilocus Sur, Ilocos Norte,

Pangasinan, Bicol, and Mindanao and those regional chapters can

unite. It’s continuing the foundation of the K.K.K. with a

little refinements. And with the power and influence of

Gregoria’s lineage, particularly her father who was

Gobernadorcillo, 2nd lieutenant, Chief lieutenant can help the

them in the reformation of the organization.

Disadvantage: It may take time and resources to restore and

rebuild the organization and it could mandate them to restart

the whole cycle all over again. As for Gregoria, no woman has

ever ran the K.K.K and it’s a challenge and it may affect every

regional chapter across the Philippines. She has no leadership

experience and with regards to the framework of the

11
 organization, it abides on an elective basis of leadership so

it has little possibility for the case of Gregoria knowing her

whole KKK life was a passive role.

3. Advantage: Becoming the first woman from a major political

party is something new to the public from her clear political

record showing academic and moral excellence. She has a

competitive edge compared to traditional politicians from upper

class parties or families. Strong public support as she will

benefit the recognitions of her husband Andres Bonifacio. There

are higher chances of winning and expose previous issues such

as the Tejeros rigged case.

Disadvantage: Gregoria De Jesus is new to Philippine politics

and going to a national level is different from an

organizational set-up. The wave of feminism to become a leader

and the right of suffrage isn’t evident (Patriarchal system)

There is no law stating that she is allowed by the constitution

to run for public office. The threat of the incumbent Aguinaldo

administration to meddle the results and throw black propaganda

on her.

12
Problem 2:

1. Advantage: By making the Katipunan group discrete with the

presence of secret codes and there is a bond and trust within

the members of the organization. They can monitor all the

members in the group and each and every person can easily be

seen.

Disadvantage: If this happens, the expansion of the KKK’s

activities will not happen if this is going to be eradicated

to a minimum. Knowing that they are only few members the

possibility that less manpower in war can yield to their

decline which also means less public support because it will

be among a number of people and its promotion and advocation

to the public will be reduced. Another point to raise is the

idea where they can be easily spotted and familiarized by the

Spaniards.

Problem 2:

2. Advantage: An iron fisted style of leadership can set an example

of fear among its members and this is kartilya-based (an eye

for an eye a tooth for a tooth). Discipline is highly exercised

emotionally and physically to affix its members to be loyal in

13
 the organization. Justice System (Equality and Justice will be

above everything else) Revolving the self-oppressed and poor.

Disadvantage: It urges disloyal members in the community and

“coercive force”. This also causes a lack of due process system

where a person is held innocent until proven otherwise. There

are scenarios as false accusations and frame-ups which are also

caused by conflict of interest in positions. Distrust and some

people might not seem them to be a better political set-up than

Spaniards (The peninsulars). People will think that the K.K.K revolt

is nothing different from the Spanish ruling at all with the violence

it shows. And abuse of power to critics, rivals and opponents inside

the group.

3. Advantage: There will be more ideas that will be used for political

tactics and strategies. Diversity and the voice of women will also

be considered in the group. Women being leaders in the K.K.K would

be a tactic against Spain for them because women aren’t seen as a

14
 pose of threat This would prove equality and just in the K.K.K among

all members “right and just system”

Disadvantage: It may take time for the women to take part in a

very critical job besides from weighing down their

responsibilities as women (mother, wife, daughter, and a

leader). Emotionally men are stronger than women in handling

situations and possibly contradictions in decisions. Also,

women lack experience in the K.K.K. and it will be a big

adjustment and transition period for them. Lastly, the long-

term training of women to be as capable as men.

Problem 3:

1. Advantage: By declaring war, it can enable the KKK to plan

ahead on the tactics for war. The war can prove the bravery

and courage of Bonifacio as a Filipino. To easily end the

dispute with Aguinaldo and Spain just easily.

Disadvantage: If this happens, it should be taken into

account that there is a gap in their advancements (Tribal /

War lord style) that means higher chances of losing in the

15
 battlefield and in effect it can cause a massive civil war

and anarchy in the Philippines (destructive set-up). This can

place the Philippines in a more vulnerable situation

2. Advantage: Alliance between Bonifacio and Aguinaldo it would

imply that two minds are way better than one and it can cause

a bigger military force and higher chances of winning in the

battle.

Disadvantage: With both of their leadership philosophies and

tactics they have contrasting beliefs like for Aguinaldo’s camp

is more of romanticizing the Spanish occupation in the

Philippines and Bonifacio whereas he counters that argument and

wants to abolish the Spanish ruling and have an independent

government system. Difference in level of educational

attainment can oppress them. There is a gap where more knowledge

is in the Aguinaldo party than Bonifacio’s in terms of academic

qualification.

3. Advantage: Collaborating with a first world international

country (e.g. Portugal) will aid the K.K.K for military

intervention such as political and military strategy,

16
 equipment, and troop of men. Trading will be highly exercised.

Choosing a rival of Spain can help in the removal of Spain in

the Philippines. This manifests a bigger chance of winning

because it is not constrained with a small army anymore.

Disadvantage: This will yield to a political motive of Utang

na Loob or Scratch my back system. This is a political strategy

to deepen the relationship with the Philippines and be an avenue

for that country to conquer the Philippines and the Philippines

will lead no choice anymore but be left behind.

Decision Matrix

Problem 1

CRITERIA/ ACA ACA 1 ACA 2 ACA 3

Effectiveness 2 5 4

17
Efficiency 2 4 2

Easy to Implement 1 4 1

Total 1.67 4.33 2.33

Problem 2

CRITERIA/ ACA ACA 1 ACA 2 ACA 3

Effectiveness 2 3 5

Efficiency 3 2 4

18
Easy to Implement 2 4 3

Total 2.33 3 4

Problem 3

CRITERIA/ ACA ACA 1 ACA 2 ACA 3

Effectiveness 3 3 2

Efficiency 1 4 3

Easy to Implement 4 3 3

19
Total 2.67 3.33 2.67

VII. Recommendation

Given the analyses, we therefore recommend for problem #1 is

alternative course of action #2 which is Gregoria to continue

the revolution by herself. As for the second problem, it has

been recommended to choose the third alternative course of

action which is to balance the power of men and women in the

K.K.K. And for the last problem, the second alternative action

which is alliance with Bonifacio and Aguinaldo

VIII. Plan of Action

Problem 1

Activity Responsible Persons Time Frame

Contacting the head Gregoria de Jesus, 1 Week

members of K.K.K. Emilio Jacinto, Pio

Valenzuela

Recruiting more Emilio Jacinto, 1 week

leaders that can Gregoria de Jesus`

20
train the

katipuneros

Recruitment of Emilio Jacinto 2 weeks

members

Conducting meetings Supreme Council of 1 week, every other

with the members Katipunan and the day

katipuneros with

higher ranks

Making of Strategies Katipuneros with 1 week

higher ranks

Acquiring war Katipuneros with 1 week

equipments higher ranks

Training Katipuneros with 2 weeks

higher ranks

including Julio

Nacpil

Problem 2

21
 Activity Responsible Persons Time Frame

Encourage both men Katipuneros in 1 Week

and women to join Leadership of

K.K.K. Gregoria and higher

ranks

Conduct equal Katipuneros in 2 weeks

trainings supervision of

Emilio Jacinto

Gather all members Gregoria de Jesus 1-3 days

in strategic

planning

Add new decalogues Supreme Council of 1-2 days

Katipunan with

Gregoria and other

higher ranks

Problem 3

Activity Responsible Persons Time Frame

22
Set Agreement Aguinaldo and 1 week

between them Bonifacio

Plan what actions to Higher ranks of 1 week

take Bonifacio and

Aguinaldo’s troops

Execute together Everyone As soon as possible

with everyone

IX. Appendix

1. Case Study

Gregoria de Jesus is an Filipina revolutionist and vice

president of the women’s chapter of the Katipunan Philippines. She

came from a middle-class “mestizo” family pious Roman Catholic. As

a young student she was a brilliant student who performed well in

her education years and got a silver medal organized by the

Governor-General and the local parish priest. When she was 18 years

old she fell in love with a freemason Andres Bonifacio. Until they

got married, she became earned the title lakambini (noble class

woman) after marrying Andres Bonifacio who was supremo in the

Katipunan. There were issues that arose during her stay in the

23
Katipunan such as the Tejeros election fraud, the execution of

Bonifacio and Aguinaldo threatening her and her family.

 Governing an organization is a strenuous task and as for

Gregoria De Jesus to lead a revolution founded on the norms

and principles of a patriarchal society. The only loophole

would be the electoral body on appointing her as the

successor.

 There is a somewhat traditional and conservative approach to

balancing women ‘s active participation in the K.K.K is an

emphasis on careful management of wave of feminism and right

and just where all people are equal and given justice with no

social oppression and segregation unlike the first years of

colonization of vice royalty of Spain. This attempts to

challenge the status quo of the norms of 18th century

Philippines.

24