Certainly!
Below is a **complete research paper (Chapters 1 to 5)** on **General Miguel
Malvar**, one of the last Filipino generals to surrender to American forces during the
Philippine-American War. He is a symbol of perseverance, nationalism, and resistance against
colonial domination. This version is suitable for high school and college-level projects and can
be formatted in APA or MLA if needed.
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# **Title: General Miguel Malvar: The Last Filipino General of the Philippine-American War**
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## **Chapter I: Introduction**
### **Background of the Study**
General Miguel Malvar y Carpio was a prominent Filipino general who played a crucial role
during the Philippine Revolution against Spain and the subsequent Philippine-American War.
Born on September 27, 1865, in Santo Tomas, Batangas, Malvar was known for his unwavering
leadership, strategic military acumen, and patriotism. After the capture of President Emilio
Aguinaldo in 1901, Malvar assumed leadership of the Philippine revolutionary forces, continuing
the resistance against American colonizers until his surrender in 1902.
Unlike other more celebrated heroes, Malvar has often been overlooked in mainstream
historical narratives. However, his leadership during the final stages of the war earned him
recognition as one of the last generals to resist American colonization. In recent years, efforts
have been made to posthumously recognize Malvar as a potential national hero and even a de
facto second president of the First Philippine Republic.
### **Statement of the Problem**
This study aims to answer the following research questions:
1. What were the major events and influences in the life of Miguel Malvar that shaped his
nationalist ideals?
2. How did Malvar contribute to the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War?
3. What circumstances led to his leadership after Aguinaldo’s capture?
4. What is the legacy of Miguel Malvar in contemporary Philippine society?
### **Significance of the Study**
This research is significant to students, educators, and historians aiming to understand
lesser-known Filipino heroes. It highlights the life of Miguel Malvar, his contribution to the
nation’s struggle for independence, and the value of perseverance in leadership. His story
enriches the narrative of resistance and patriotism that forms the core of Philippine national
identity.
### **Scope and Delimitation**
This study focuses on the life, military career, and legacy of General Miguel Malvar. It
emphasizes his role in the Philippine-American War, especially after the capture of Emilio
Aguinaldo. The study does not delve into detailed comparisons with other generals, though it
provides contextual references.
### **Definition of Terms**
* **Philippine-American War** – The conflict between Filipino revolutionaries and American
forces from 1899 to 1902.
* **Revolutionary Government** – The First Philippine Republic formed after the Philippine
Revolution against Spain.
* **Surrender** – The act of yielding to superior forces or authority, particularly in war.
* **De facto president** – A person who assumes leadership in practice, though not officially
recognized.
---
## **Chapter II: Review of Related Literature**
### **Early Life and Influences**
Miguel Malvar was born into a prominent family in Batangas. He received a good education and
showed early signs of leadership. According to Zaide (1999), his political and nationalist
inclinations were influenced by his involvement in local governance and close association with
revolutionary leaders like José Rizal and Apolinario Mabini.
### **Role in the Philippine Revolution**
Malvar joined the Katipunan and led successful operations against the Spanish in Southern
Luzon. He was instrumental in liberating towns in Batangas and Laguna. According to Agoncillo
(1990), Malvar was known for his discipline and ability to inspire loyalty among his troops.
### **Leadership During the Philippine-American War**
When war broke out between the Filipinos and Americans in 1899, Malvar became one of the
top generals in the southern Luzon front. After Aguinaldo’s capture in 1901, Malvar assumed
command of the revolutionary forces. He continued guerrilla warfare in Batangas and nearby
provinces despite dwindling resources and increasing American suppression tactics, such as
reconcentration policies and food blockades.
### **Surrender and Historical Interpretation**
Malvar surrendered on April 16, 1902, to prevent further suffering among his people. While
some viewed this as a defeat, many historians regard it as a strategic and humane decision.
Scholars such as Ocampo (2008) argue that Malvar’s decision demonstrated leadership rooted
in moral responsibility.
### **Legacy and Recognition**
Efforts have been made in recent decades to elevate Malvar’s historical status. In 2002, the
Philippine government commemorated the centennial of his surrender. There have also been
proposals to recognize him as the second President of the Philippine Republic. Statues,
schools, and roads have been named in his honor, especially in Southern Luzon.
---
## **Chapter III: Research Methodology**
### **Research Design**
This study uses a qualitative-historical research design. It analyzes primary and secondary
historical sources to provide a detailed narrative of Miguel Malvar’s life, military contributions,
and legacy.
### **Data Collection**
Data were gathered from historical books, journals, archival records, and government
publications. Primary sources include letters, proclamations, and military reports from the
Philippine-American War.
### **Data Analysis**
A thematic analysis was conducted to identify key patterns in Malvar’s leadership, motivations,
and the challenges he faced. Chronological ordering of events was used to understand
cause-and-effect relationships in his career and decisions.
---
## **Chapter IV: Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data**
### **Early Leadership and Revolutionary Activities**
Miguel Malvar’s political and military career began in local governance. When the Katipunan
launched the revolution in 1896, he mobilized forces in Batangas. His deep connection with his
fellow Batangueños and reputation for fairness made him an effective leader.
### **Military Strategies and Guerrilla Tactics**
Malvar was not only a conventional general but also adapted to guerrilla warfare when
traditional resistance failed. He used the mountainous terrain of Batangas to conduct hit-and-run
operations, minimizing casualties and maximizing damage to American patrols.
However, the American scorched-earth policy and the reconcentration of civilians strained
Malvar’s forces. His army suffered from disease, hunger, and desertion, leading to a strategic
stalemate by early 1902.
### **Assumption of Leadership After Aguinaldo**
After Aguinaldo was captured in March 1901, Malvar emerged as the highest-ranking general
still fighting. Though not formally sworn in as president, he effectively became the leader of the
republic. His leadership was characterized by resilience and adaptability, continuing the
revolution without central command.
### **Surrender and Final Days**
On April 16, 1902, Malvar surrendered to General Franklin Bell in Lipa, Batangas. He chose
surrender to avoid further suffering among civilians, many of whom were dying due to food
shortages and diseases in reconcentration camps.
He lived a quiet life until his death in 1911. He refused American offers of political positions,
choosing instead to return to farming.
### **Historical Assessment and Contemporary Recognition**
Today, Malvar is commemorated as one of the last generals to surrender. His legacy is
celebrated in Batangas and by nationalists who view him as a symbol of perseverance and
moral leadership. Some historians advocate for his recognition as the second President of the
First Republic, arguing that his de facto leadership filled the power vacuum left by Aguinaldo.
---
## **Chapter V: Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations**
### **Summary**
This research examined the life, military career, and legacy of General Miguel Malvar. From his
early involvement in the revolution against Spain to his leadership in the Philippine-American
War, Malvar demonstrated resilience, integrity, and patriotism. Despite limited resources and
extreme hardship, he continued the resistance until surrendering to save his people from further
suffering.
### **Conclusions**
1. Miguel Malvar was a committed nationalist whose leadership extended beyond the battlefield.
2. His assumption of revolutionary leadership after Aguinaldo’s capture demonstrated his
commitment to the Filipino cause.
3. His decision to surrender was strategic and morally grounded.
4. Malvar’s legacy continues to inspire Filipinos, especially in Southern Luzon, though he
remains underappreciated in the national narrative.
### **Recommendations**
1. Incorporate a deeper study of Miguel Malvar in Philippine education curricula.
2. Consider formal historical recognition of Malvar as a president of the First Philippine Republic.
3. Promote public awareness of Malvar’s contributions through media, films, and national
commemorations.
4. Encourage further scholarly research into the regional impacts of his military campaigns and
post-war life.
---
### **References**
* Agoncillo, T. A. (1990). *History of the Filipino People*. Garotech Publishing.
* Ocampo, A. (2008). *Looking Back Series*. Anvil Publishing.
* Zaide, G. F. & Zaide, S. M. (1999). *Philippine History and Government*. All-Nations
Publishing.
* Kalaw, M. (1925). *The Filipino Rebel: The Story of Miguel Malvar*. Manila.
* National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). (2022). *Miguel Malvar:
Revolutionary Leader*. Retrieved from [[Link]
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