Today, July 4, 2024, the Philippines commemorates the 128th death anniversary of Marcelo H. Del Pilar, also known as Plaridel. A leading figure in the anti-friar movement and patron of the Association of Philippine Journalists-Samahang Plaridel, Del Pilar was born on August 30, 1850, in Bulacan. He was a lawyer, journalist, and editor of “La Solidaridad,” a newspaper that exposed Spanish friar abuses and advocated for Filipino rights.

Despite struggling with poverty and tuberculosis, Del Pilar continued his work for reform until his death in Barcelona, Spain on July 4, 1896, just months before the Philippine Revolution. His legacy as a dedicated patriot and reformist continues to inspire Filipinos, reminding us of the enduring power of commitment to justice and freedom.