Today in Filipino history, October 17, 1857, Maximo Viola was born
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On October 17, 1857, Maximo Viola, a physician and a municipal councilor, who financed the printing of Dr. Jose Rizal's novel Noli Me Tangere, was born in San Miguel, Bulacan.
Viola, a supporter of the Propaganda Movement, met Rizal and became his close friend while he was finishing his degree from the University of Barcelona in 1886.
It was while traveling with Rizal in Europe that he learned Rizal needed money to publish the Noli Me Tangere. He offered to help Rizal and 2,000 copies were printed in 1887.
Viola was also supportive of other propagandists, such as Marcelo H. Del Pilar, whom he aided financially.
When he returned to the Philippines in 1887, he spent most of his time practicing medicine. But his communication with Rizal didn’t cease until the latter has been exiled to Dapitan.
When the Filipino-American War broke out, Viola was imprisoned by the Americans, first at the Malate Military Prison and then at the Olongapo barracks, for his refusal to cooperate with the new administration. Even as a political prisoner, Viola continued practicing medicine. He was released from prison on condition that he treat American soldiers afflicted with illnesses previously unknown to America.
He died on September 3, 1933.
Source;
- Philippines News Agency archives