DID YOU KNOW

Today, July 26, is the 174th birth anniversary of the first Katipunan president, Deodato Arellano. Trained in bookkeeping at Ateneo Municipal de Manila, Arellano worked as assistant clerk for the military’s artillery corps. He later joined La Propaganda and La Liga Filipina. On July 7, 1892, Arellano and some La Liga members founded the Katipunan secret society that sought independence from Spanish colonial rule. He was named its first president in October that year, was replaced by Ramon Basa three months later, but dutifully carried on with his work in the movement. —Chlarine Gianan