The Kartilya was about the thirteen lessons that serve as the Katipuneros’

guide in living with morals and good values. It was like a code of conduct
that shows how to be a true Filipino in words and action. I believe that this
Kartilya ng Katipuan shows the path on how to live a meaningful life for
every Filipino. Each lesson is unique in such a way that it tackle different
aspects of person’s life. Many of us may have different explanation and
understanding about it but it is appropriate to have a better understanding
or explanation to its contents.

The first highlights the significance of living life with a purpose. “A

Katipunero who does not have a purpose lives is a useless life.” This tenet
actually defines what life is. Life is a gift given to everyone that must be
treasured by making it meaningful through setting up goals and achieving it
no matter how hard it is.

The second rule is about doing what is right. “A deed carried out for the
sake of fame is not worthy of praise.” There are certain things in life that
would make others proud because of you but sometimes it’s done just to
be popular. Everyone must bear in mind that doing good must be
accompanied with humbleness. A deed that is done must be because of
what someone really feels like doing to help other people.

The third shows what the true meaning of kindness is. “True act of kindness
for a Katipunero is in the love and service he render to other people and
not the other way round.” It only means that having an open hand to give
help without expecting in return is one of the best example to show an act
kindness.

The fourth rule highlights equality among people. “Every Katipuneros are
treated equally no matter what race or educational background he has. “ 
Status and Identity will never be the reason for unequal treatment of
people. Whether they are Filipinos or not, rich or poor, men or women, and
white or black, nobody deserves to be discriminated.

The Fifth shows what honor should mean for a Katipunero. “A true
Katipunero values Honor more than his personal interests.”

The sixth is about doing the “walk the talk” concept or putting into action
the words that has been promised. “A Katipunero who has a sense of
shame must be a man of his own word.”

The seventh rule gives importance to how we manage our time and give
our best like tomorrow ends because time is as precious as a gold. “A
Katipunero must give importance to time. For the Katipunan, a time lost
will never be back.”

The eighth lesson simply tells everyone to fight for what is right and fight
with the persons who is at the right side. “A Katipunero must protect the
weak and fight for those who oppress the weak.”

The ninth is about the significance of trust that everyone must know how
to keep confidential things in order to keep the trust that other people
give. “A Katipunero is careful with what he says and keeps the things that
must be kept secret.”

The tenth principle is all about being able to lead the family. “A Katipunero
must lead his family to the right path. If the leader is consumed by evil, so
does his followers.”

The eleventh highlights everything a man must look at woman’s identity.

“A Katipunero must give importance to woman. He must not see her as an
object, nor pat time. That whenever a Katipunero sees a woman, he will
remember his mother who nurtured him.”

The twelfth principle gives importance to every action that one has to
make. “A Katipunero must not do the things that he does not want to be
done by him.”

The thirteenth rule is about one’s knowledge on how to have a right

character in dealing with life. “A Katipuneros’ life is not measured by what
is his status in life nor with the things he possess. Instead, it is in his
character and his love for the native land.

The Last shows the idea of the author’s desire. It emphasizes the hope he
has for everyone and believes that every sacrifices that a Katipunero make
will always be worth it.

Kartilya ng Katipunan is a set of principles that shows the path on how each
and every one of us must live of lives by living to the fullest through good
values. I believe that this Kartilya ng Katipunan was made to change the
thoughts of every Filipino’s unacceptable behavior. Katipunan was not just
an organization working towards the freedom of the Filipinos. They built on
the ideological and political foundation constructed by men and women
who sacrificed themselves because of their love for the country and for the
people. Just like Rizal who pushed Filipinos to think critically with full
understanding, this code of conduct was made to inform people of what
they deserve to know for making their lives better.

Going back to the past, the journey to freedom is long and hard. The price
of bravery and principle is high. Back then, they thought that the day of real
freedom will forever remain a dream. And through Kartilya ng Katipunan,
Filipinos were united to fight for what they own. Kartilya ng Katipunan
became an oath the every Katipuneros must follow to show their
determination in being a part of the people who wanted a change.