Amado V. Hernandez: Imprisoned National Treasure
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| Amado Vera Hernandez (1903-1970) |
Amado V. Hernandez also known as the “ Workers Writer” was a well known Filipino writer and a poet. He is also a labor leader and was known for his criticism of the social injustice happening in the Philippines. His deep involvement in the communist movement led to his imprisonment, but even behind the bars it did not hinder him from writing literature but it led to his growth and development as a writer and a person.
Early Life and Activism
Amado V. Hernandez was born on September 13, 1903, in Hagonoy, Bulacan, but grew up in Tondo thus witnessing the hardships of the Filipinos during the colonial period. Growing up in a community of poverty and inequality made his great desire for change. He pursued the career of journalism and was soon involved in the labor movement acting as the voice defending the Filipino workers rights. His ability to express the hardships of those abused was a powerful tool in both literature and politics.
Hernandez worked as a writer and editor of different literature and print media during the 1930s and 1940s. The poems written by him that supported social reform were criticized by the government. His works focuses on the injustices of the Filipino working class, where the abused Filipinos that lived in the same condition were able to relate and connect with him through his works. Hernandez’s works caught the attention of the labor union and leftist groups, so he became an advocate for workers rights.
Imprisonment and Legacy
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| "Ibong mandaragit" |
In 1951 Amado V. Hernandez was accused of rebellion and arrested for his strong involvement in the communist movement of the Philippines. The government was suspicious of his left wing groups, so he was accused of planning to overthrow the government.He was imprisoned for 5 whole years, from different detention facilities and even the New Bilibid Prison. Despite being behind bars, Hernandez still continued writing and producing his literary works. He sees literature as a powerful tool and opportunity to awaken the minds of the Filipinos, and his imprisonment made him grow and be more creative. He also used it as an opportunity to reflect, sharpen his skills and strengthen his place in Philippine literature.
During his stay in Prison, he wrote one of his notable literary works “Mga Ibong Mandaragit”. This is a novel that shows the struggles of the Filipinos against corruption and inequality. The book mirrored the personal experiences of Hernandez towards injustice and exploitation, this also strengthened his reputation as the “People's Poet” and “Workers Writer”.
This wonderful work of his enlightened the Filipino people with the use of his personal experiences where the readers can relate to thus taking his side. It also encapsulates the contemporary and the latest issues that our country is experiencing. This kind of literature does not only preserve the works of the past but it also preserves our culture, heritage, and history. Thus we must keep and help take care of the products of the past as it helps in developing the future.
Recognition and Philippine National Artist AWARD
In 1956 the Supreme Court dismissed the case of Amado V. Hernandez and was eventually released. This became a significant change since it established advocacy for social change, even if radical, was not a crime.
He was awarded the Philippine National Artist in Literature in 1973 with his great contribution to Filipino culture and society. His works of literature are still studied and admired by the Filipinos, especially those who experienced the struggles of the abused. Sadly on March 24, 1970 he passed away at the age of 66, and even if he passed away his memories still remains.
All in all Amado V. Hernandez has been through a great transformation from a prisoner to a Philippine National Artist in Literature. Despite being a prisoner, he used his time behind the bars to refine and create his works about the struggles of the Filipino People. He and his notable literary works just like the novel “Mga Ibong Mandaragit” will still remain in our history and will still continue in capturing the essence of the Filipino experiences and the fight against different issues like inequality. Hernandez’s legacy will always have a powerful role in the Philippine literature in advocating change and empowering those without or less power.
References:
Author: Fritz Leeshan DC. Reynante
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