In the long protracted history of Philippine struggle against colonial rule, woven with threads of courage, sacrifice, and resilience, there emerges a distinct and often unfortunately overlooked pattern – the important presence and contributions of Filipino heroes of Chinese heritage. These champions of freedom and progress came from an ethnic minority which has for many centuries lived and traded in the Philippines since the pre-colonial era.
As we commemorate the martyrdom of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal (himself a patrilineal descendant of the Cua family due to his immigrant ancestor Domingo Lamco, whose Chinese name was Cua YiLam), let us unravel the stories of other unsung heroes of Chinese lineage who stood valiantly in the fight for Philippine freedom and progress.
Here are only some of the many Filipino heroes of Chinese heritage:
1. General Jose Ignacio Paua—A first-generation Chinese immigrant from the county of Nan-an, Quanzhou City, Fujian province, he exemplified the spirit of self-determination and public service. His journey from blacksmith entrepreneur in Manila to military general of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonizers and then the American colonial invaders from the 1890s to 1900s mirrors the transformative power of dedication to a cause larger than oneself.
General Paua not only forged armaments for the Filipino revolutionaries but also orchestrated successful fundraising campaigns among his fellow Hokkien-speaking ethnic Chinese traders, artisans and professionals in different regions. In doing so, he became a unique beacon, perhaps the only first-generation immigrant worldwide to rise to the rank of a military general in his adopted homeland.
2. Roman Tanbensiang Ongpin— A 19th-century entrepreneur and civic leader and son of successful Chinese immigrant trader Simon Ongpin (Chinese name “Ong Yak Pin” from ChingMeng Village, Jinjiang, Quanzhou City, Fujian province), Roman Ongpin etched his name in history by sacrificing personal safety and social status to support the Philippine Revolution.
Enduring persecution and imprisonment, Ongpin became a symbol of resilience and commitment. His legacy lives on in the streets of Binondo, where Calle Sacristia had been renamed in his honor, and the Ong clan association had donated a monument which stands testament to his unwavering dedication. His descendants also contributed to Philippine progress —the late billionaire tycoon Roberto Ongpin who was Trade and Industry Minister of President Ferdinand E. Marcos and 1986 Edsa Revolution stalwart Jaime Ongpin who became Finance Secretary of the revolutionary government of Chinese mestiza President Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino.
3. General Vicente Lim—The son of a Chinese immigrant turned self-made entrepreneur, General Vicente Lim embodied the pursuit of excellence and unswerving service to his country. As the first Filipino soldier to graduate from the prestigious West Point military academy, Lim rose to the rank of a military general. In the face of Japanese military invasion during World War II, he fought valiantly, enduring imprisonment and ultimately sacrificing his life. General Vicente Lim stands as a beacon of heroism and moral courage.
His story has become an integral part of the Philippines’ struggle for freedom.
4. St. Lorenzo Ruiz—He was the first Filipino Roman Catholic saint, son of a Chinese immigrant and baptized in historic Binondo Church. His life epitomized courage and faith, culminating in martyrdom for his beliefs.
5. Wenceslao “Bintao” Vinzons —He was a legendary Bicol hero and fearless World War II martyr, who led the resistance against Japanese military occupation and was executed by the invaders. Vinzons ably led Filipino guerrillas who killed 3,000 Japanese soldiers in the Bicol region. The hero’s grandfather was anti-Qing Dynasty Chinese-language newspaper “Kong Li Po” editor Serafin Vinzons (Chinese name “Sia Hui Tam”) and his father was Gabino Vinzons (Chinese name “Sia Din Long”).
Vinzons’ legacy lives on at the University of the Philippines where a building bears his name. He became president of the UP Student Council and editor-in-chief of the college newspaper “Philippine Collegian.” He was also youngest delegate elected to the 1935 Philippine Constitutional Convention.
These are just some of the many Filipino heroes of Chinese heritage — along with countless nameless traders, artisans and other ordinary members of the Filipino Chinese community —who have contributed immeasurably to the economic modernization, cultural development and social progress of the Philippines. As we honor the patriotism of Dr. Jose Rizal, let us also pay tribute to these remarkable heroes, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping the destiny of a nation.