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Juan AranetaFilipino farmer and leader of the revolution in Negros
Date of Birth: 13.07.1852
Country:  Philippines |
Content:
- Biography of Juan Araneta
- Interest in Agriculture and European Trip
- Farm Innovations and Magical Perception
- Revolutionary Activities and Release
- World Exhibition and Legacy
Biography of Juan Araneta
Juan Anacleto Araneta was born on July 13, 1852, in Molo, Iloilo, Philippines. He later moved with his family to Negros Island. At the age of 19, he arrived in Manila and enrolled at the University of Manila. Araneta obtained a degree equivalent to a bachelor's degree in commerce in modern terms.
Interest in Agriculture and European Trip
In 1891, Araneta embarked on a trip to Europe with a friend. This provided him with the opportunity to meet many Filipino leaders residing in Madrid, London, and Paris at that time. As a result, upon his return, the Spanish colonial authorities became even more hostile towards Juan. He lost his inherited land and was forced to move with his family to the slopes of Mount Kanlaon, where he once again pursued agriculture.
Farm Innovations and Magical Perception
As an enterprising farmer, Araneta introduced various interesting techniques and tools on his farm. Rumors circulated that he even used a telescope to observe his workers toiling in the vast fields. Juan became a legend among the laborers who believed he possessed magical powers to oversee the land. In reality, Juan simply utilized new techniques and tools he learned about during his trip to Europe. He even imported a sugar mill from England and installed it on his farm. However, the Spanish authorities soon discovered that loaded boats were arriving at Araneta's land.
Revolutionary Activities and Release
He was arrested in January 1897, but even in prison, he continued to devise plans for future rebellion. Juan was transferred to the port city of Bacolod on Negros Island and was eventually released in October 1897. On November 5, 1898, around 1:00 pm, revolutionary forces approached Bago City. The rebels had only three firearms - a Remington rifle, a Mauser rifle, and a shotgun. Araneta, who led the rebel forces, instructed his men to cut Nipa palm branches and attach them to their shoulders, giving the appearance of carrying rifles. The Spanish authorities in Bacolod, upon seeing the marching rebels heading towards the city, assumed they were surrendering their weapons. To their surprise, the rebels advised the authorities to retreat to avoid bloodshed, and the Spaniards readily agreed. Bacolod was already in the hands of the insurgents when Spanish reinforcements arrived from Iloilo. The Spanish governor of Negros Island, Don Isidro Castro, surrendered on November 6, 1898.
World Exhibition and Legacy
In 1904, Juan was appointed as one of the representatives for the World Exhibition in St. Louis. He arrived with over a thousand varieties of rice, cocoa beans, banana fibers, and many other agricultural crops from Negros and Panay islands. All his samples were highly valued and earned Araneta gold and silver medals. Until the end of his days, Araneta remained interested in agricultural advancements. He attempted to cultivate various crops on his farm and even planted trees that were previously not found on Negros Island. He also played a founding role in the Ma-Ao Sugar Central. Juan was married four times, and he left behind a large family when he passed away on October 3, 1924.
