Vinzons, former student leader and World War II guerrilla, honored in Daet forum

The Upsilon Sigma Phi, the provincial government of Camarines Norte, the municipality of Vinzons, Museo Bulawan, and the Vinzons Policy Center recently held a forum to highlight the life and legacy of former Camarines Norte Gov. Wenceslao Vinzons, a former student leader and guerrilla fighter in World War II.

The forum was held on Oct. 18, 2025 at the Daet Integrated School.

Vinzons has been regarded as the father of student activism in the Philippines, the youngest delegate
to the 1934 Constitutional Convention, a former UP Student Council president, and guerrilla leader who was executed by the Japanese after refusing to pledge allegiance to Japan.

"Wenceslao Vinzons is not just a name on a hall or town. He is a model of the multipotential leader, a symbol of courage over compromise, a mirror of what Filipino youth can and must be," said Dr. Segundo Romero, a lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University and Vinzons' fraternity brother in the Upsilon.

"Vinzons is known as the Father of Student Activism in the Philippines for the way he led the students to rise above picayune issues like student meal prices, waiting sheds, miscellaneous fees, etc., to focus on national issues like independence from colonialism and the forging of pan-Malayan regionalism," he added. "The Philippines is waiting for the next Vinzons."

Melanie Vinzons Gaite-Lopez, a granddaughter of Vinzons, spoke about his vision, mission, and personal life.

"The mission of Wenceslao Vinzons is to awaken the youth, to rally the youth. His vision is for us to be an independent and united people," said Gaite-Lopez, a member of the UP Sigma Delta Phi.

"Let us always make sure that the Filipinos can lead in the innovation, modernization, and growth of our country," she added.

"There is always a risk when you stand up for your principles, for what you believe in. I encourage you [if you believe na may hindi tama], you do your own part," Gaite Lopez said.

Director Abel C. Icatlo, head of Museo Bulawan, revisited Vinzons' life and contributions.

"Vinzons wanted to come up with some kind of cultural force in the form of a National Language that would unite the scattered islands of the Philippines. Wenscelao Vinzons is the seed of the National Language," Icatlo said.

Former Senator Richard J. Gordon gave a message to the forum, highlighting Vinzons’ influence in his life.

Other officials present were Mayor Jovi Fuentebella of Sagñay, Camarines Sur, and Board Member Rey Kenneth Oning of Camarines Norte, representing Acting Governor Joseph Ascutia.

They were also joined by Vinzons' grandsons—Councilor Justin “Bintao” Vinzons of Vinzons, Camarines Norte, and Defense Assistant Secretary Augusto Vinzons Gaite. –NB, GMA Integrated News