INTRODUCTION
Some scholars rank our hero from Jaro, Iloilo, Graciano Lopez Jaena, with Jose Rizal and Marcelo del Pilar. Even Rizal, at one time, considered Lopez Jaena to have more ability than himself.

Our historians’ high regard for these three men must have arisen from the fact that they composed the formidable triumvirate which led the Filipino propaganda campaign in Spain. We also acknowledge now that the seeds of Philippine nationhood first found expression in their agitation for reforms, and that their patriotic labors paved the way for the Philippine revolution and, eventually, Philippine independence.

We have the best reasons, therefore, to say that Rizal, del Pilar and Lopez Jaena equally deserve to be our heroes for, together, they helped each other and offered their lives for the same cause: the freedom of the Philippines.

It is only fitting then that, in this “Year of Filipino Heroes” and the centennial year of Rizal’s martyrdom, we also appropriately observe Lopez Jaena’s death centennial. His 100th death anniversary fell on January 20, 1996, so today, his 140th birth anniversary, becomes our final commemoration of the Lopez Jaena Centennial Year.
LOPEZ JAENA: THE REFORMER
Graciano Lopez Jaena became an advocate of reform early on in life. He wrote a tale whose principal character was “Fray Botod” which, as you all know, means a potbellied priest in Hiligaynon. The story not only referred to the greed of the friars but also to their vices and abuses. Although the tale circulated only in manuscript form, it came to the attention of the objects of its satire and Lopez Jaena had to leave the Philippines to escape persecution.

In Spain, he joined the Filipino expatriates, refugees and students in repeated attempts to publish newspapers through which they could project their demands for reform. Finally, in February 1889, they were able to come out with La Solidaridad, with Lopez Jaena as its first editor.

Through the pages of La Solidaridad, the propagandists demanded freedom of the press, of speech and of assembly; equality before the law; participation in the affairs of government; and social and political reforms for the Filipinos. We, the Filipinos of today, who now enjoy these freedoms, have every reason to appreciate the painstaking efforts of the Propaganda Movement.
THE PROPAGANDA AND THE REVOLUTION
The influence of the propaganda on the Philippine Revolution cannot be denied. The government in Spain did not heed the demands of the propagandists to reform the colonial administration in the Philippines because they argued that what they had written did not reach the majority of their countrymen and countrywomen anyway.

What they did not foresee was that La Solidaridad, Rizal’s novels and other propaganda materials reached the local ilustrados who went on to lead the revolutionary forces in their provinces.

The writings of the propagandists articulated their feelings of oppression and this heightened the ferment of the people. This established the continuity between the reform movement and the revolution.

In this year which we also observe as the centennial of the Philippine Revolution, we must, therefore, acknowledge the contributions of Lopez Jaena and his fellow reformers in intensifying the patriotic fervor of our people.
AN ADVOCATE OF FREE TRADE
It is also significant that we are holding this program soon after we have successfully hosted the fourth Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit.

More than a hundred years ago, Lopez Jaena also advocated free trade for the Philippines. He urged Spanish and other European businessmen to trade with the Filipinos.

“The Philippine archipelago offers you a vast market,” he said. “Take there your manufactured goods.” at the same time, he called for more foreign investments to come into the country.

While he said that agriculture formed the base of the Philippine economy, Lopez Jaena believed that the country should not remain agricultural but should industrialize.

He wrote, “if it is essential to material progress to keep open the routes of foreign commerce, it is much more important to attend to the stimulation of labor and the development of industry.”
HIS VISION NOW BECOMING A REALITY
More than a hundred years ago, Lopez Jaena envisioned an industrialized Philippines trading with countries all over the world. He was in favor of the globalization of trade and industry because he predicted that “the Philippines, lying as it does in front of China and India, will become the heart to which all the veins and arteries of commerce and industry of both oceans will converge.”

Our hero’s vision is now becoming a reality. The Philippines is deeply involved in the process of liberalization and the globalization of trade and investments. By joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the APEC, we have proved that Lopez Jaena was right.

Our efforts in the past few years towards “Philippines 2000!!!” have begun to bear fruit. Our economy is one of the fastest growing in Asia. We expect our economic growth rate to exceed 7 percent by the end of the year. From being dubbed as “the sick man of Asia,” we have now become the region’s newest “tiger economy.”
CLOSING
The home province of Lopez Jaena, just like all the other provinces of the country, is sharing in the benefits of our fast-growing economy. In fact, earlier today, we inaugurated several projects here in Iloilo. I have also been told that hundreds of millions of pesos in private investments have come to Iloilo City and Iloilo Province. All this augurs well for our people and the realization of the goals of “Philippines 2000!!!”

All this also proves that the vision of Lopez Jaena and our other heroes is finally becoming a reality. Of course, development is a continuing task and we must not stop moving forward. And as we do, we can take inspiration in the life and achievements of Graciano Lopez Jaena.

As we observe Lopez Jaena’s centennial, therefore, let his example be our guide and his ideas, our light as we march together and work together towards a peaceful and progressive Philippines.

To the descendants of our hero and to all of you, I extend my special greetings on this historic celebration.

Maligayang Pasko, masaganang Bagong Taon at mabuhay kayong lahat! Maraming salamat.