AMPLIFY BACOOR: The Official Student Publication of APEC Schools- Bacoor

Now Let's Talk about Philippine Heroines on National Heroes Day

By Timm Jahred De Jesus

The Notable Portrayal of National Heroes’ Day

The provenance of National Heroes’ Day precedes the time of the Philippines, where colonialism entered its premises, where the remarkable revolution started, and where Filipinos ardently fought back the claims of their land to liberate themselves from the hands of Spain, America, and Japan. Initially, National Heroes’ Day was supposed to be every October 28, but it was moved to August 25, the last Monday of August. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo changed the date to create long weekend breaks. In addition, this holiday is also a commemoration of all our known and unknown heroes' actions to serve our country. Filipinos celebrate this by throwing out fiestas, parades, and events at local shrines and displaying a show of fireworks.

Filipino Heroines and their Achievements

Gabriela Silang (1731 - 1763)

Known as the “Leader of the Early Philippine Revolution,” she paved the way for her position as a leader despite being a woman in the 18th century. She was born in the town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. After the events of her 2nd husband, Diego Silang, the original leader of the revolution, died from assassinations by his friends that the church functionaries and elites ordered. However, Gabriela Silang took on the role after the men of Diego did not stand up for the war. She swore to avenge his death, rallying troops under the dictatorship of Nicolas Cariño and the aides of Diego, and she withdrew to her mother’s town. She was able to organize a force that launched an attack on the colonials. After some time, the attack was launched, and the Spaniards had an overwhelming force to counterattack against Gabriela’s forces.

Coincidentally, the new governor of Vigan is her former foster parent, Father Millan, who commanded a troupe of 300 archers to flank Gabriela’s troops. Her troops were hit, and there, the survivors fled from their camp in Abra. On September 20, 1763, Gabriela had no time to regroup her forces where their camp had been attacked. Gabriela and her troops were captured and returned to Vigan, where she suffered from humiliation and psychological torture and had to witness the execution of her followers before she was sentenced to execution for revolting a resistance. Her image as a leader and as a woman, where women were considered shadows and sold for their bodies in the 18th century, is still being studied today in social studies.

Trinidad Tecson (1848 - 1928)

They were given the title of “Mother of Biak-na-Bato” by the 1st President of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo. She was also recognized as the “Mother of the Philippine Red Cross. She was born in San Miguel, Bulacan, on November 18, 1848. During the Spanish colonial period, she joined the Katipunan with other women at 47. She had fought in 12 brutal battles in Bulacan, including the place of Biak-na-Bato. There was once when the Katipuneros were short on firearms, so Trinidad and three companions went to Rizal and successfully subjugated the firearms of Guardia Civil. Because of her heroic actions, she was also one of the women who aided in the Revolutionary War against the Spaniards when soldiers were wounded. Her welfare as a woman who helped in the war gave hope to all Filipinos who fought for their land.

Ultimately, Filipino women were not recognized as a strong caricature of hope in the Revolutionary War. Many of our heroes are men, but that should not define the aspect of these women's achievements in shaping the history of the Philippines. Commemorating the success of these women should be made more vocal in the humanitarian system of the Philippines, despite being a woman in the Spanish colonial period.

Page updated

Report abuse

Keep in Touch