Pedro Alejandro Paterno y de Villa Ignacio
- Born:
- February 27, 1857, Manila, Philippines
- Died:
- April 26, 1911, Manila, Philippines
- Nationality:
- Filipino
- Profession(s):
- Politician, Poet, Novelist, Historian, Playwright
Early Life and Education
- Born into a wealthy and influential family.
- Received early education at Ateneo Municipal de Manila.
- Studied law at the University of Salamanca in Spain.
- Obtained a doctorate in law from the Central University of Madrid.
Career and Major Achievements
- Returned to the Philippines and became involved in politics.
- Served as mediator during the Pact of Biak-na-Bato in 1897, negotiating a truce between Spanish colonial authorities and Filipino revolutionaries. This role figures prominently in any telling of the story Ninay Pedro Paterno biography.
- President of the Malolos Congress in 1898.
- Served as Prime Minister of the First Philippine Republic under Emilio Aguinaldo.
- Held various government positions during the American colonial period.
Notable Works
- Ninay (1885): Considered the first Filipino novel.
- Sampaguitas y poesías varias (1880): Collection of poems
- Historia de Filipinas: A multi-volume historical work.
- Wrote several plays, including Magdapio.
Legacy and Impact
Pedro Paterno was a complex and controversial figure in Philippine history. While celebrated for his literary contributions and role in the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, he was also criticized for his shifting allegiances. His novel, Ninay, remains a significant work in Philippine literature.