Financial Adviser: 5 Business Lessons Everyone Can Learn from General Emilio Aguinaldo, the Founder of the Philippine Republic
In the annals of Philippine history, few individuals have left as indelible a mark as General Emilio Aguinaldo. His struggles and unwavering determination were instrumental in paving the way for Philippine independence.
With his strategic brilliance and unwavering leadership, Aguinaldo inspired and rallied the Filipino people, guiding them towards liberation and shaping the destiny of our nation.
Emilio Aguinaldo was born on March 22, 1869 in Kawit, Cavite during the tumultuous period of Spanish colonization. From a young age, he exhibited intelligence, resilience, and a strong sense of justice. His early experiences and exposure to the injustices of the Spanish regime forged a steadfast determination to fight for the rights and freedom of his fellow countrymen.
Aguinaldo's political awakening began during his stint as a cabeza de barangay (now barangay captain), where he witnessed firsthand the abuses committed by Spanish authorities. These experiences fueled his desire for change and led him to become actively involved in anti-colonial movements.
A turning point in Philippine history came with the establishment of the Katipunan, a secret society dedicated to the liberation of the Philippines from Spanish rule. Aguinaldo, driven by his fervent belief in the cause, joined the ranks of the Katipunan and rose through its ranks, eventually becoming its leader.
When the Philippine Revolution erupted in August 1896, Aguinaldo's military genius and charismatic leadership propelled the revolution forward, uniting disparate factions and inspiring countless Filipinos to take up arms.
But in December 1897, Aguinaldo and his forces entered into an agreement with the Spanish forces called the Pact of Biak-na-Bato. Under the agreement, Aguinaldo and his fellow revolutionaries went into exile in Hong Kong.
During his exile, Aguinaldo continued to advocate for Philippine independence and sought support from international allies, including the United States.
When the Spanish-American War broke out in 1898 where the United States emerged victorious, Aguinaldo seized the opportunity and returned to the Philippines in May of the same year.
Upon his return, Aguinaldo rekindled the revolution and led the Filipino forces in a series of decisive battles against both Spanish and American forces.
On June 12, 1898, Aguinaldo declared the independence of the Philippines and established the First Philippine Republic, with himself as its President.
Aguinaldo and his forces fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to American military might. In 1901, Aguinaldo was captured by American forces, and he swore allegiance to the United States, effectively ending the armed resistance.
Aguinaldo remained an influential figure in Philippine history until his death on February 6, 1964. His legacy continues to inspire Filipinos, symbolizing the spirit of resistance, perseverance, and the ongoing pursuit of true independence.
How did Aguinaldo’s leadership rally the Filipinos to unite against Spain in the face of adversity? What lessons can we learn from Aguinaldo’s strategies that we can apply in business?
Here are the five business lessons every entrepreneur can learn from the president of the First Philippine Republic, General Emilio Aguinaldo:
ALSO READ
Financial Adviser: 5 Startup Lessons Everyone Can Learn from Andres Bonifacio
1| Know how to adapt and seize opportunities
Emilio Aguinaldo demonstrated adaptability and flexibility in his strategy amidst challenging circumstances. When he learned about the discovery of the Katipunan and the ensuing arrests in Manila, he swiftly organized his allies in Cavite el Viejo.
Aguinaldo's ability to adapt to changing circumstances applies to the business world as well. Businesses must be responsive to market shifts, technological advancements, and customer preferences.
Challenges and obstacles are an inevitable part of any entrepreneurial journey. Acting decisively enables entrepreneurs to confront and overcome these challenges promptly.
Rather than hesitating or delaying decisions, entrepreneurs who act decisively can address issues head-on, find effective solutions, and keep their business on track.
Being adaptable and flexible allows businesses to adjust strategies, product offerings, and operational processes to stay relevant and seize opportunities in a dynamic environment.
“The times has been become very difficult,” Aguinaldo wrote in his book Memoir of the Revolution. “Newspaper items of daily persecutions of Masons who were either tortured or banished disturbed me very much for I was in a very precarious situation. During the day I performed my duties zealously as the mayor and leader of the town. Came night time, I was the leader of the Katipunan.
“On August 19, 1896, the newspapers of Manila like El Comercio, reported that the list of members of the society as well as valuable documents was discovered through the confessional. The wife of Teodoro Patino, a Katipunero, confessed to the Father Mariano Gil, parish priest of Tondo that her husband was a member of a secret society called the Katipunan.
“That evening the printing office of El Diario de Manila was raided. Several cuts and documents of the Katipunan were found, including the list of members. Since they now had the names of the people, the arrests soon followed.
“The whole city of Manila was thrown into confusion. On August 20, 1896, Bonifacio and all members of the Katipunan left Manila for the neighboring towns. As his men were facing the danger of starvation, Andres Bonifacio ordered them to loot several Chinese stores and to hold captive some 17 Chinese storekeepers.
“When we learned about the sad state of affairs existing in Manila, we were alarmed in Cavite el Viejo (now Kawit). The day of reckoning had come, I thought and I decided that we should be prepared for the worst.
“The news certainly overwhelmed me. I told Quiterio Advincula, a Katipunero employed in the Administration de Hacienda Publica, to get ready that evening. I proceeded to Eugenio Cabezas who had a tailoring shop and told him about the Martial Law and the declaration of war on the eight provinces, including Cavite.
“After impressing upon him the urgency of quick action, I instructed him to contact Severino Lapidario, another Katipunero who was the warden of the jail and requested him to lead the prisoners in capturing the marine infantry assigned at the arsenal.
“Eugenio explained, ‘We do not have arms. How can we face the infantry? We might have the same fate that the Katipuneros had in Balintawak under Andres Bonifacio. They lost because they did not have enough arms.’
“I answered ‘Let us remember that whether we fight or not, now that the Katipunan has already been discovered, we have to face death anyway. The time has come for us to fulfill our promise to defend our motherland.’ He appeared convinced and so I left word also, ‘We shall go ahead with our plan to revolt against the Spaniards in Cavite de Viejo this very night.’”
2| Know how to disrupt and conquer the competition
General Emilio Aguinaldo used a surprise attack as a key strategy during the early stages of the fight for independence. Recognizing the limited combat experience of his troops, Aguinaldo proposed executing a surprise attack strategy by confronting the enemy with their bolos and spears.
In business, executing a surprise attack entails the ability to disrupt the competition, gain a competitive edge, and seize opportunities. Just like in warfare, a well-executed surprise attack can catch competitors off guard, leaving them scrambling to respond effectively.
Creating a disruption can shake up the market dynamics, forcing competitors to reassess their strategies and adapt to the new entrant. This disruption opens doors for new business models and market segments.
A well-executed surprise attack can create a unique selling proposition that differentiates a business from its competitors. By introducing unexpected elements or delivering exceptional value, a business can capture attention, generate excitement, and attract customers who are seeking something fresh and innovative.
“Almost before daybreak of the next day, Tuesday, September 1, 1896, Mr. Jose Tagle, head of the Barangay Pilar, together with 100 men armed with bolos and spears, came to seek our aid in raiding Imus,” Aguinaldo wrote. “I readily granted the request and enthusiastically gathered my bolo men, the Katipuneros and non-Katipuneros alike, numbering about 600, and addressed them:
‘Today is our first offensive on the enemy, our first move towards the independence of our country. While it is true that we lack discipline because we are new in this job, our willingness to face the enemy even with bolos and spears only will help us push through our plans. Do not forget that guns are good for long distance fighting only. Guns can be ineffective against bolos in close-range fighting. So, our strategy will be to spy on the enemy, and then give them a surprise attack.’
“With the usual apprehension, I led the group when all the men were ready and everything seemed in order. I asked the band to play the piece ‘Battle of Jolo.’ When we passed by our house, I saw people looking out of the window but I did not look at them lest I lost courage. My men were all happy. The band added to the liveliness of the group and as we passed by the houses, the men got their bolos or spears and joined us voluntarily. When we reached the Balimbing bridge, I ordered the troops, more or less, 2,000 strong, to halt.
For the first time I had to work out my own military strategy. My heart beat fast, and although filled with all sorts of apprehensions, I planned my attack. I divided the group into three. All the troops would converge to the convent first. Our aim was to get to the convent first.
Everybody followed my command. When we reached the convent, we found the door closed. Thereupon, I ordered some men to break it. As we managed to reach the closed door, we were met by a volley of shots coming from the towers. Many of our men died in this firing. Only two of us reached the door, and even as Sergeant Guillermo Samoy, my brave companion, succeeded in breaking the door, he was shot.
“Then I moved closer to the walls and ordered the men to bore holes in the walls near the south and west streets which were beside the bodega of palay. Since we had surrounded the place, we watched for the enemy from all directions. Toward dusk of that afternoon, more and more people came to join us.”
3| Know how to be creative and resourceful
Aguinaldo demonstrated resourcefulness in various ways. Despite facing a larger and better-equipped enemy, Aguinaldo did not let fear hinder his actions. Instead, he assessed the available resources and improvised strategies to confront the enemy effectively.
Aguinaldo's resourcefulness can serve as an inspiration and provide valuable lessons for entrepreneurs. His ability to make the most out of limited resources and think outside the box can be applied in various business contexts.
One aspect where Aguinaldo's resourcefulness can be relevant is in the area of strategic planning. Just as Aguinaldo had to carefully assess his available weapons and devise innovative tactics to face a numerically superior enemy, businesses can benefit from evaluating their resources and finding creative ways to overcome challenges.
This could involve leveraging existing assets, exploring alternative solutions, or forming strategic partnerships to achieve their objectives.
Another area where Aguinaldo's resourcefulness can be valuable is in cost management and efficiency. Aguinaldo had to make do with limited supplies and materials, and he often repurposed or improvised with what was available.
Similarly, businesses can optimize their operations by finding ways to reduce costs, streamline processes, and maximize the value of their resources. This can involve implementing innovative technologies, adopting sustainable practices, or finding creative solutions to deliver high-quality products or services within budgetary constraints.
“On the morning of September 2, 1896, the third day of our rebellion, Gil Ignacio, head of the Gargano branch of the Katipunan in Bacoor, together with two other Katipuneros, came to ask me for reinforcements, because according to them, a large number of infantry, cavalry, and artillery soldiers in Pulang Lupa near Zapote, Las Pinas was coming to raid the hacienda in Imus.
Although I was scared because of the news and the great number of enemy, I did not show my fear and instead, I decided to face the enemy. We had nine guns only. Our men carried wooden stakes and nipa sheaves which looked like guns at a distance. Others had bolos and daggers.
“I gave Colonel Tagle an order that Pillboxes must be built at hidden strategic places on the other side of the bank opposite the road that will be taken by the enemy. The people worked the whole night to carry out my orders faithfully. The pillboxes were built out of mortars and banana trunks. I shuttled to and fro, supervising the building of the trenches and the demolition of the support of the bridge.
“The church bells were melted and made into brass cannons. Ignacio Paua, a Chinese general, took charge of melting the brass and turning it into finished cannons. These cannons were good only for the first or second shots. In the third shot, they broke and even caused the death of the artillerymen manning them. The iron cannons were just as bad. But notwithstanding this danger, they had to be used. To be safe, the men lengthened the wicks and sought cover after lighting the wicks.
“The next morning after our victory, the enemy started to avenge its defeat by shelling Bacoor, Cavite el Viejo, and Novoleta the whole day. After this attack the enemy fired at us every other day, every third day and every fouth day, for five months.
We were very lucky because many of their shells were duds. This was a great boon to us and to the children who picked them up and exchanged them for rice at the ordnance unit. The firing pins of these shells were removed and the unexploded powder was used as refill for our gun cartridges.
4| Know how to assess your strengths and weaknesses
General Emilio Aguinaldo demonstrated a profound understanding of his strengths, weaknesses, and those of his enemy before devising his strategies. He recognized the numerical and logistical disadvantages faced by his forces by understanding the limitations of his resources and the challenges it posed in confronting a well-equipped and larger Spanish army.
Just as General Aguinaldo recognized the importance of understanding oneself and the enemy, businesses should prioritize conducting a comprehensive analysis of their own strengths, weaknesses, and unique value proposition.
By closely examining the strategies of competitors, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of their approaches to capturing market share, reaching customers, and achieving growth. This insight enables companies to identify gaps or untapped areas within the market where they can position themselves uniquely and attract a specific target audience.
Moreover, companies can also identify their unique value proposition and develop effective marketing strategies that highlight their strengths and set them apart. By leveraging on their competitive advantages, businesses can target specific customer segments and build a strong brand reputation, establishing themselves as the preferred choice in the minds of consumers.
“Sometime in October 1896, the Manila newspapers headlined the landing of 150,000 infantry soldiers from Spain,” Aguinaldo wrote. “Somehow, I did not believe the news for I had been toying with the idea that perhaps the report was just a scheme to frighten us or to weaken our stand. But when in January 1897, I watched the marshalling of troops in Las Piñas, I was convinced of the arrival of fresh troops.
“Sometimes I could see the road darkened by the great number of soldiers and then suddenly would conspicuously thin out. Later, when I learned that the soldiers were being sent to Alabang and even as far as Calamba, I began to worry because we were much handicapped in number and in arms.
“Because of this fear that we might be overcome by the enemy, I decided to see the Supremo. I swallowed my pride and once more went to him to ask for his help although such help had been refused me several times in the past.
‘The enemy may come to us at this place, any time,’ Bonifacio said. ‘And this cannot be denied by anyone. How can I give you then, Don Emilio, the help you are asking?’
‘I can assure you, Supremo,’ I answered him, ‘that the enemy will not reach you until we have not been defeated, because it is very apparent that you are at our rear.’
‘Don Andres, isn’t it better for us to concentrate our forces in our place, so that the enemy would not reach you here in your stronghold?’ As he would not give in to my argument, I left him very much disappointed.
“Then, on February 16, we heard that Captain General Polavieja was at the church of Palanyag (now Parañaque) ready to attack Cavite. While in the bitter fighting in Silang our men fell right and left, one very disconcerting event happened to us when we were attacked by some Spanish troops who came from nowhere near Ligas at Zapote.
“Our men jumped at the enemy in hand-to-hand fights, using bolos, spears or any other weapon they had. Shots fired as our men pounced like lions upon their prey which had to retreat to the other side of the river. Again, the Zapote river was drenched with the blood of both our soldiers and the enemy’s.
“It must be noted that it is easier to defend a mountainous place like Silang than a town on the plain. That was why General Vito Belarmino with only a few men was able to hold on in Silang for five days against the big number of enemy’s troops.
“I tried to analyze why the Supremo had repeatedly refused to help us, and I reached the conclusion that perhaps he still had the hangover of his defeat at Caloocan.
“Nevertheless, because of the grave situation at Silang, I appealed to him again to give me even one-half of his forces to help recover Silang from the enemy. The Supremo once more denied my request.”
5| Know how to foster effective leadership and team building
General Emilio Aguinaldo's actions demonstrated his strong belief in effective leadership in achieving their goal of defeating the enemy. He emphasized the need for unity and collaboration between the Magdalo and Magdiwang factions because by joining forces and establishing a single Revolutionary Government, they would be better equipped to face the challenges ahead.
Aguinaldo's emphasis on leadership and morale is vital in business, too. Strong leadership inspires and motivates employees, fostering a positive work culture and driving performance. Effective leaders create cohesive teams, promote collaboration, and empower employees to contribute their best towards achieving business goals.
Effective leaders set clear goals, provide direction, and motivate employees to perform at their best. By establishing a unified vision and aligning individual efforts, effective leadership enables teams to work cohesively towards achieving business objectives.
“On December 28, 1896, Magdalo General Baldomero Aguinaldo summoned all his secretaries to a general meeting and it was decided to invite the head and high officials of Magdiwang faction to a joint meeting with the Magdalo Council for the purpose of presenting the grave and serious problems confronting them, namely, the pressing need of uniting the two factions under one Revolutionary Government instead of working separately; the necessity of placing all soldiers under one command for better discipline and control; and the importance of electing a single set of officers of the united group.
“During the meeting, General Baldomero Aguinaldo said, ‘I would like to inform you that the consensus in the Magdalo council is in favor of the fusion of our two factions which is considered necessary for the defense of our province against the rumored attack of the Spaniards in February.
“At this juncture, Minister of War Ariston Villanueva of the Magdiwang faction stood up and declared that all his men were in favor of electing the officers of the Revolutionary Government but that the highest position be reserved for the Supremo since he was the head of the Katipunan. He also reminded the body that were it not for Supremo Bonifacio, the Revolution would not have probably begun.
“After being recognized, General Edilberto Evangelista of Magdalo faction voiced his opinion. ‘I do not agree with the statement that the Revolution was the accomplishment of the Katipunan alone. Let us not ignore the fact that our revolutionary forces are not composed of Katipunan members only. A great number of the townspeople joined the cause and helped us a great in one way or another.’
“After this explanation, General Baldomero Aguinaldo spoke: ‘My brothers, when we started the Revolution here in Cavite, we had only 300 Katipunan members. But the next morning, a thousand men rallied to our cause. Let us face the fact that were it not for the wholehearted cooperation and assistance of the townspeople, we could not have won our cause.
“Few days after the meeting, while I was busy supervising the building of our defenses at Pasong Santol in Dasmarinas, a group of cavalry soldiers headed by Colonel Vicente Riego de Dios of Magdiwang Council arrived to tell me that I had been elected the head of the government as a result of the union of Magdiwang and Magdalo factions.
“In the election for the vice president, Andres Bonifacio was nominated again but his own Minister of Justice, Gen. Mariano Trias, defeated him. For the secretary of war, Andres Bonifacio was nominated for the third time, but General Emiliano Riego de Dios from his own faction beat him.
“For Secretary of Interior, Bonifacio was again nominated. This time he won but General Daniel Tirona objected to his election on the ground that Bonifacio was not a lawyer.
“Although the motion was not seconded and therefore was invalid, Andres Bonifacio stood up and said, ‘Did we not agree from the beginning that whoever among us was elected in this meeting will be recognized and respected by everybody?’
“The Supremo was visibly angry. He pulled out his revolver and aimed at General Tirona. Although after this incident, order had been restored in the meeting, nevertheless, in his bitter disappointment and anger, the Supremo stood up and declared, ‘By virtue of my being head of this national meeting, I declare this election null and void.’ Then he started to leave.
“After this story, I said I am very happy that at last the two factions are united, but I believe this union is rather late because our enemy has already defeated us and right now the towns of Silang and Dasmariñas are in the hands of the enemy.
“I told them of the need for the lieutenant-in-command in every town not actually in battle to come to Tanza and help General Crispulo Aguinaldo in Pasong Santol.
“It was noon of March 24 when I received news at Tanza that the Supremo and his ministers met in council on the morning of March 23 and passed a resolution declaring null and void the general meeting held in Tejeros.
“Instead of going after Bonifacio and his cohorts since I had the power to do, I chose to ignore them. I patiently accepted this difficult situation so that petty jealousies and recriminations of brother against brother be stopped.
“After all, one by one, troops from Magdiwang towns such as Ternate, Maragondon, Magallanes and other towns arrived. I sent them all to Pasong Santol to join forces of General Crispulo Aguinaldo.
“But what a bitter disappointment and sorrow we had when we learned that our troops bound for Pasong Santol were all intercepted by Magdiwang General Ricarte, upon orders of the Supremo.
“They were gathered and instructed to kidnap me on my way to Imus. When I learned about this plot, I heaved a sigh and said, ‘Our Revolution is bound to fail because of the selfishness and vindictiveness of one person.’
“On the night of March 25, the news came that Pasong Santol had been taken by the enemy and the Spanish flag raised in victory, but only after General Crispulo Aguinaldo, my brother, died fighting as he had vowed.
“To my mind, such a disaster could have been averted had not Andres Bonifacio asked General Artemio Ricarte to intercept our reinforcements to Pasong Santos. This is a black spot in the history of our struggle for independence which I can never forget.”