El Ilocano

[1][2][3] It was founded by Isabelo de los Reyes,[4][5] a relatively young journalist at the time, who also served as its editor and financial backer.

The publication gained significant popularity, distinguishing itself from earlier native-language newspapers such as the short-lived Diariong Tagalog, which lasted only a few months.

[12] Although de los Reyes never joined the Katipunan, a secret revolutionary organization aimed at freeing the Philippines from Spanish rule, his biweekly publication echoed the group’s ideology.

[19] Besides de los Reyes, contributors included Ignacio Villamor, Claro Caluya, Mena Crisologo, Mariano Dacanay, and Canuto Medina.

Spanish allowed the publication to reach readers beyond the Philippines and gain international recognition, while Ilocano created a vital connection with its primary audience.

De los Reyes likely intended to emphasize that all indigenous languages of the archipelago deserved equal presence in the public sphere.

El Ilocano is sometimes mistakenly cited as the first newspaper published in a native Filipino language[26][27][28] or as the first example of Philippine regional press.

[29] The magazine also provided a significant platform for Ilocano intellectuals of the late 19th century to exchange ideas, refine their writing, and develop rhetorical skills, thus contributing to the strengthening of a burgeoning Filipino national identity.