Lope K. Santos

Infobox Person
name = Lope K. Santos

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caption =
birth_date = birth date|1879|9|25|mf=y
birth_place =
death_date = death date and age|1963|5|1|1879|9|25|mf=y
death_place =
other_names = Lope C. Santos
known_for =
occupation = writer, lawyer, politician

Lope K. Santos (September 25, 1879 – May 1, 1963) was a Tagalog language writer from the Philippines. [http://books.google.com/books?id=-EqbeRzdDrsC&pg=PA161&lpg=PA161&dq=banaag+at+sikat&source=web&ots=LPcKwSOAKI&sig=D_GFsQRTx5uyzNVFbztpNhjqwko Herbert, Patricia M. at Anthony Crothers Milner (editors), Southeast Asia: Languages and Literatures – A Select Guide] ISBN 0824812670] Aside from being a writer, he was also a lawyer, politician, critic, labor leader and considered as "Father of the Philippine National Language and Grammar". [ [http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Lope_K._Santos Biography in WikiPilipinas (in Tagalog)] ] [ [http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2005/09/25/OPED2005092545224.html :: Welcome to Manila Bulletin Online :: ] ]

Biography

In the field of literature

Santos was born in Pasig, Rizal, Philippines (now a part of Metro Manila) - as Lope C. Santos - to Ladislao Santos and Victoria Canseco, both natives of Rizal province. He used "Kanseko" instead of "Canseco" for his middle name to show his nationalism. During his times the letter C is not included in the Tagalog alphabet. Santos studied at "Escuela Normal Superior de Maestros" (Normal Superior School of Teachers) and "Escuela de Derecho" (Law School); and got his Bachelor of Arts degree in Colegio Filipino (Filipino College). He became an expert in "dupluhan", a popular poetical debate competition in his time, which can be compared to "balagtasan", a similar contest but with shorter discourse.

In 1900, he served as editor on publications written in Tagalog, such as "Muling Pagsilang" (Rebirth) and Sampaguita, which he founded. Through Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, he was appointed as director of the "Surian ng Wikang Pambansa" (National Language Institute). [http://www.geocities.com/sinupan/santoslopek.htm Daniel M. Anciano. "Lope K. Santos", Filipinos in History] , no date, accessed on: February 26, 2008]

Political career

Santos became governor of Rizal province from 1910 to 1913, and governor of Nueva Vizcaya from 1918 to 1920. During the 5th Philippine Legislature, he also served as Senator in the Twelfth District under the Nacionalista Party.

Personal life

In February 10, 1900, Santos married Simeona Salazar and they had 5 children. He had an operation for his liver disease but later died. Santos' last request on his deathbed was to make Tagalog a National Language of the Philippines.

Works

The works of Santos include the following:

*"Balarila ng Wikang Pambansa" (National Language Grammar)
*"Banaag at Sikat", a novel

References

ee also

*Norberto Romualdez