Roman Ongpin: A Hero?

A research on whether or not the man named Roman Ongpin is truly a Filipino hero.

Submitted by: Jose Leandro D. Serrano

Submitted to: Dr. Luis Dery

Submitted on: August 25, 2010

Table of Contents

A. Introduction

B. Significance of the Topic

C. Contents

D. Conclusion

E. Sources
A. Introduction

Mention the word Ongpin to any Filipino and what would com to mind would

be the street at the heart of Manila’s Chinatown in Binondo. But if the person named

Roman Ongpin were to be mentioned to a Filipino, only a blank stare would be seen.

Not many Filipinos know about Roman Ongpin and what he has done for the

country. Roman Ongpin was a businessman, a philanthropist and a supporter of the

Philippine Revolution.

This research paper will provide brief information about the man for whom the

Ongpin street was named for because it is a given that important historical

knowledge will lead to better appreciation of not only the place but also the man.
B. Significance of the Topic

It is significant to study the life of Roman Ongpin and his achievements because

not many people know who he is. Many people know the Ongpin Street in Binondo

but what people do not know is the story behind that street. The topic is significant

because it can bring knowledge to the people of who Roman Ongpin really was.

In order for us to know whether or not Roman Ongpin was truly loyal to the

Filipinos and a true a Filipino hero, we must study his life and the decisions that he

made in his life. It is significant to study Roman Ongpin because may be an

inspiration to all Chinese-Filipinos not only in our country but also in foreign

countries. He can be the example that Chinese-Filipinos can follow. And that is to be

generous, selfless and to put the country’s well-being before one’s self.
C. Contents

Roman Ongpin was a Filipino-Chinese businessman who actively supported the

Philippine revolution of 1898. He was born on February 28, 1847 in Binondo,

Manila to Simon Ongpin and Sinforosa Tanbensiang. His father was a Chinese

immigrant who taught him about business at a very young age.

Roman Ongpin left his studies at the Colegio de San Juan and engaged in

business. On March 1, 1882, he opened on Rosario Street a store “El 82”. His store

sold paints, varnishes, oils, art supplies, other carpentry, and mechanical tools.

Eventually, it became a convenient meeting place for Filipinos and a source of

propaganda updates and events of the day.

He is an avid admirer of Philippine heroes like Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio,

and Emilio Aguinaldo. To help the Katipuneros, he generously supplied them with

foods and other important necessities from his business establishments. Even at the

face of adversity, his commitment to fight against the Spanish rule never waivered .

In February 6, 1898 when his store was destroyed by fire, he chose to donate 90% of

the insurance money to General Emilio Aguinaldo.

 The Spanish are unaware of his involvement in the revolution because he

pretended to be an ally by serving the Spanish officials . For two years he was

appointed as teniente de mestizos for binondo.

When the Americans came, his participation in the revolutionary activity

continued. This led to his imprisonment from December 6 1900 to March 23, 1901.
D. Conclusions

Even though Roman Ongpin was not a Filipino, he supported the Katipuneros

by supplying them with foods and other important necessities from his business

establishments.

On the outside, Roman Ongpin seemed to have aupported the Spanish colonial

administration but in reality, his loyalty was to the Filipinos. He risked his life,

business and fortune in order to help the Philippine Revolution. He even continued

his resolute support to the Filipino cause during the American colonial regime and in

doing so led to his capture and imprisonment.

Acts like these are not made by ordinary people but of heroes who are brave and

selfless. Heroes are willing to sacrifice there well-being in order to protect that

which they love most. And in doing these acts of selflessness and bravery, Roman

Ongpin has proven himself to be a true Filipino and a true hero of the Filipino

people.
E. Sources

http://www.nhi.gov.ph/downloads/bz0016.pdf

http://www.tsinoy.com/article_item.php?articleid=727

http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Roman_Ongpin