: McCulloch-Dick noticed that "Juan dela Cruz" appeared with overwhelming frequency on police blotters, court dockets, and baptismal certificates. He began using the name in his reportage to represent an anonymous or typical Filipino citizen. Literary Development : When McCulloch-Dick later established the Philippines Free Press
The character was coined by Robert McCulloch-Dick, the editor of the Philippines Free Press in the early 1900s. He noticed it was the most common name in police blotters and court records. juan dela cruz history
Juan dela Cruz, a name that has become synonymous with the Filipino people, has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. The term "Juan dela Cruz" is often used to refer to the average Filipino, much like "John Doe" in Western cultures. However, the origins of this name go beyond a simple label, and its significance is deeply rooted in the country's history, culture, and identity. ICONOGRAPHY AND IMAGERY Origins: The character was coined