Marcelo H. del Pilar on Philippine Currency

Marcelo H. del Pilar was born on August 30, 1850 in Sitio Cupang, Barrio San Nicolas, Bulakan, Bulacan. His parents were Julian Hilario del Pilar and Blasa Gatmaitan. He finished law at the University of Santo Tomas in 1880. In 1882, he established the nationalist newspaper Diariong Tagalog and wrote various anti-clerical pamphlets such as Cai-igat Cayo, Dasalan at Tuksohan, Kadakilaan ng Diyos, La Soberania Monacal, and La Frailocracia Filipinas

To avoid arrest and imprisonment, del Pilar left the Philippines for Spain in October 1888. In Barcelona, he joined other Filipinos such as Jose Rizal, Mariano Ponce, Graciano Lopez-Jaena, and the Luna Brothers, Juan and Antonio. Together they initiated the Reform Movement and convinced some Spanish legislators to support the changes they desired.

In November 1889, he took the place of Graciano Lopez Jaena as Editor of the La Solidaridad, the mouthpiece of the propagandists working for reforms for the Filipinos, until its closure on November 15, 1895. Fatigue, hunger, and lack of proper clothing for the cold weather took a toll on his health. Soon tuberculosis weakened him. He died on July 4, 1896 in Barcelona, Spain, away from his family.

The first depiction of Marcelo H. del Pilar image on our currency is on 5-Pesos bill of English Series banknote together with Graciano Lopez Jaena



His second appearance was on 50 Sentimos of Pilipino Series Coin



His third appearance was on 50 Sentimo of Flora and Fauna Series Coin.



His fourth appearance was on 50 Sentimo of Improved Flora and Fauna Series Coin.



He is not currently present on any current Philippine Currency