Graciano Jaena was one of the leading propagandists of the Philippine Revolution. Del Pilar was one of the co-publishers and founders of La Solidaridad.

GRACIANO JAENA

Jaena practiced medicine in local Iloilo communities. During this period, his visits with the poor and the common people began to stir feelings about the injustices that were common. At the age of 18 he had the audacity to write the story "Fray Botod" which depicted a fat and lecherous priest which incurred the fury of the Friars who knew that the story depicted them.

He got into trouble for refusing to testify that certain prisoners had died of natural causes when they had died at the hands of the mayor of Pototan. Jaena continued to agitate for justice and finally went to Spain when threats were made on his life.

In Spain he became a leading literary and oratorical spokesman for the Philippine reform issues. Losing interest in politics and academic life, Jaena founded and edited the fortnightly newspaper, La Solidaridad.

Jaena died in poverty of tuberculosis at the age of 38.

18 December 1856

to 20 January 1896