The Rosendo Mejica Monument stands within the grounds of Baluarte Elementary School, located on Lopez Jaena Street in Molo, Iloilo City.
Don Rosendo Mejica, an Ilonggo visionary, was a nationalist, educator, journalist, and philanthropist. In 1905, he established Baluarte Elementary School on his donated land, beginning with a humble nipa and wood structure and 65 students. The school’s distinguished alumni include former Senate President Franklin Drilon and former Senator Rodolfo Ganzon.
The Marker
DON ROSENDO MEJICA
TAGTUKOD
BANGUD SANG DUNGGANON NGA KATUYUAN O HANDUM NGA MAHATAGAN MAN SANG KAHIGAYUNAN SA PAGTUON ANG MGA IMOL, SI ANAY DON ROSENDO MEJICA, SA BUYLOG SANG MGA KATAPU SANG TALAPUANAN “ANG BAYBAYANON” NAGPASAD SANG LABING UNA NGA BULOTHUAN PUBLIKO GINKILALA NGA BULOTHUAN ELEMENTARYA PUBLIKA SA IDALUM SANG PAGGINAHUM SANG GUBIERNO AMERIKANO SADTONG TUIG 1905. NAGHATAG SANG KATUMANAN SANG PAGLAUM SANG MGA TIMAWA PARA SA PAG-AGUM SANG KAALAM.
March 1 is Rosendo Mejica Day
March 1st holds a special significance for Ilonggos, marking Rosendo Mejica Day. This day is dedicated to honoring the remarkable life and enduring contributions of Don Rosendo Mejica, a true visionary and a pillar of Iloilo’s history.
As March 1st approaches, a palpable sense of anticipation fills the air at Baluarte Elementary School. The students, the very beneficiaries of Don Rosendo Mejica’s vision, are diligently preparing a series of programs to commemorate their esteemed founder. This isn’t just a routine school event; it’s a heartfelt tribute to a man whose legacy continues to shape their educational journey.
The planned programs are designed to reflect the multifaceted contributions of Don Rosendo Mejica. Expect a diverse range of performances and presentations, including:
Historical Reenactments: Students will bring to life significant moments from Don Rosendo Mejica’s life, showcasing his dedication to education, journalism, and public service. These reenactments will serve as powerful visual lessons, allowing younger students to grasp the impact of his work.
Literary Readings: Given Mejica’s passion for language and literature, students will recite poems and excerpts from his translated works and published articles, celebrating his contribution to Hiligaynon culture.
Musical Performances: Traditional Ilonggo songs and original compositions will fill the school grounds, honoring the cultural heritage Mejica championed.
Art Exhibits: Student artwork, inspired by Mejica’s life and values, will be displayed, showcasing their creative interpretations of his legacy.
Educational Presentations: Older students will conduct in-depth presentations on Mejica’s life, focusing on his contributions to education, journalism, and public service, emphasizing the lasting impact of his work on their community.
A Dedication to History: The school will set up displays of historical documents and photos related to the schools origin.
More About Rosendo Mejica
Rosendo Mejica stands as a pivotal figure in Philippine history, having founded both the nation’s first public grade school, Baluarte Elementary School, and its oldest surviving newspaper, Makinaugalingon (Lover of Native Things).
An Ilonggo nationalist, educator, journalist, and philanthropist, his life bridged the tumultuous period from the late Spanish regime to the mid-1980s martial law era.
Don Rosendo Mejica’s Molo residence on Graciano Lopez Jaena Street now serves as a public museum, showcasing his original printing equipment, authored books, journalistic contributions, and various memorabilia from his distinguished career.
Despite its modest size, the collection powerfully reflects the man who championed Hiligaynon in literature and journalism and left an enduring legacy in Ilonggo education and public service.
A pioneering professional in Molo, Rosendo Mejica earned a commerce degree from Escuela Profesional de Artes y Oficios in 1896 and broke racial barriers by becoming the first Filipino accountant at Castle Bros., an American firm in Iloilo, during a time when such positions were largely reserved for foreigners, even in Manila.
Don Rosendo Mejica’s public service began with his appointment as the first municipal treasurer of Bacolod. His dedication to Iloilo was further demonstrated by his remarkable 30-year tenure as a city councilor, from 1906 to 1936, earning him the title “Dean of Iloilo Municipal Councilors.” In 1954, the Iloilo Press Club recognized his significant contributions to journalism, naming him “Dean of Visayan Journalists.”
In 1905, Don Rosendo Mejica’s generosity led to the founding of Baluarte Elementary School on his donated land. The school’s humble beginnings—a nipa and wood structure with 65 pupils, including older individuals seeking basic literacy—laid the foundation for its enduring legacy. Notably, Pilar Madrazo, an early graduate, later became Mejica’s wife. Baluarte’s distinguished alumni also include former Senate President Franklin Drilon and former Senator Rodolfo Ganzon.
Driven by a passion for disseminating knowledge, Rosendo Mejica established Makinaugalingon in 1913 and, to ensure its publication, founded Iloilo’s first printing press.
Driven by a desire to make Rizal’s masterpieces accessible to Ilonggos, Rosendo Mejica translated ‘Noli Me Tangere’ and ‘El Filibusterismo.’ He also published the works of fellow patriotic journalists Marcelo H. del Pilar and Graciano Lopez-Jaena, whose ideals resonated with his own.
Beyond his journalistic and literary endeavors, Rosendo Mejica compiled a Hiligaynon-Spanish-English dictionary. His dedication to enriching Hiligaynon literature was further recognized with a diploma of honor from the Sumakwelan, an association of Hiligaynon writers.
How to Get Here
To get here, the most convenient jeepney to ride is: ROUTE # 15 MOLO – ILOILO CITY PROPER VIA BALUARTE LOOP.
A powerful reminder of Rosendo Mejica’s dedication to education and community. His legacy continues to inspire Iloilo today.