The Kartilya ng Katipunan by Emilio Aguinaldo

Note: This is a reaction and reflection paper.

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.