18/05/2026
Cavite's Premier Assembly
Faith, Patriotism, and the Sword of Liberty:
The Legacy of the President Emilio Aguinaldo Assembly ACN 1438
For over half a century, the President Emilio Aguinaldo Assembly ACN 1438 has stood as a beacon of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus.
Established on January 26, 1969, in Cavite City, this premier assembly has served as the vanguard of the Order across Cavite and the expansive Southern Tagalog Region. Rooted in the core principle of Patriotism, the assembly does not merely bear a historic name—it inherits a profound mandate to bridge the rich, revolutionary heritage of Cavite with the timeless virtues of faith, fraternity, and civic duty.
The Cradle of the First Republic
To understand the spirit of Assembly ACN 1438, one must look to the man who inspired its name: General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines and leader of Asia’s first constitutional republic. Born in Kawit, Cavite, Aguinaldo transformed his home province into the "Historical Capital of the Philippines" through strategic brilliance and unyielding resolve.
Under his leadership, Filipino revolutionary forces scored monumental triumphs against colonial rule in legendary engagements like the Battles of Imus, Binakayan, and Dalahican. These victories culminated in the historic proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, at his ancestral home in Kawit, where the national flag was officially unfurled to the strains of the national anthem.
Aguinaldo’s life epitomized a relentless pursuit of sovereignty, a legacy that echoes deeply within the Fourth Degree's focus on national pride and active citizenship.
Walking the Trail of Liberty: Landas ng Kalayaan (2023)
As Sir Knights of the Fourth Degree, the members of the President Emilio Aguinaldo Assembly wear the regalia of modern-day Catholic knighthood. While General Aguinaldo wielded a saber to carve out a new nation's independence, the Sir Knights of ACN 1438 wield the sword of faith, charity, and civic leadership to protect and build up that same nation.
This commitment to living history was powerfully demonstrated in 2023, in time for the historic 125th Declaration of Philippine Independence. Under the visionary leadership of the assembly, the landmark historical project Landas ng Kalayaan (Path of Freedom) was launched. This initiative actively retraced the arduous and sacred journey of General Aguinaldo and his revolutionary forces, culminating in the historic proclamation in Kawit on June 12, 1898. By mapping and honoring this physical and spiritual trail, Assembly ACN 1438 did not just remember history—they walked it, breathing vibrant new life into the region's patriotic heritage.
A Fraternal Convergence: The Tejeros Convention Commemorative Tour (2026)
Continuing its crusade to honor the foundational milestones of the nation, Assembly ACN 1438 crossed diocesan and fraternal borders to co-host a deeply symbolic event.
On March 21, 2026, the assembly partnered in a historic collaboration with the Andres Bonifacio Assembly ACN 1537 of Caloocan City to conduct a Historical Tour commemorating the Tejeros Convention of 1897. The tour brought Sir Knights to the historic site where General Emilio Aguinaldo was elected president of the newly formed revolutionary government, effectively uniting the Katipunan factions under a single republic.
Led by SK Louis Chin, Worthy Faithful Navigator of Assembly ACN 1438, and SK Rico Santero, Worthy Faithful Navigator of Assembly ACN 1537, this collaborative pilgrimage exemplified the true spirit of Catholic fraternity. It served as a powerful reminder that while historical narratives may have been complex, the modern-day Knights of Columbus stand completely unified in faith, brotherhood, and an unshakeable love for the Filipino homeland.
A Shared Vision of Duty and Devotion
The intersection of the Knights of Columbus and the legacy of President Emilio Aguinaldo highlights a profound synergy:
The Spirit of Sacrifice
Just as Aguinaldo and his veterans dedicated their post-war lives to securing land and pensions for wounded revolutionaries, the assembly commits itself to uplifting communities and preserving national memory.
Uncompromising Faith
Sir Knights anchor their love of country in their love for God, proving that true patriotism is a virtue nurtured by religious conviction.
Preserving Heritage
Standing as the premier assembly in Cavite, ACN 1438 acts as a living monument, keeping the flames of freedom, courage, and fraternal unity burning brightly for future generations.
As Assembly ACN 1438 marches forward under the guidance of its current leadership, it carries the dual honor of its Catholic knighthood and its Caviteño revolutionary roots.
Through landmark initiatives like Landas ng Kalayaan and historical pilgrimages with brother assemblies, the Sir Knights continue to honor President Emilio Aguinaldo’s dream of a free, united, and resilient nation—standing strong as true soldiers of Christ and country.
