Pinay Awards

Pinay Awards
By: Marjune Trishabelle Mercado


Many feminists argue that history itself is biased starting from the root word till the published books. His story is always emphasized. Her story on the other hand, is still struggling for recognition. As the great historian and a women’s right advocate would quote “The dogma of woman’s complete historical subjection to men must be rated as one of the most fantastic myths ever created by the human mind.” Women and history could not be just in the same sentence without giving prejudice to the other.
Philippines is probably one of the countries with the most colorful history. Starting from the pre-Hispanic trade with other neighboring countries and the introduction of Islam, to the friendly encounter with the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan that further led to the more than three centuries slavery to Spain, the coming of the savior that defended the country also known as the Americans and stayed here for quite some time, until the quick visit of the disciplined Japanese and now, having independence of its own with the close-knitted tie with the superpower savior, the Americans --- the Philippine history can just be compared to a very dramatic, full of conspiracy and controversy movie. It is a sure hit! Unfortunately, it will all be leading men and the actresses is just a special guest.
Though Philippines pride itself with the idea of giving women a chance to prove herself, its history is still silent about the contribution of Filipina warriors then. It is quite a shame that when a researcher typed in “Filipina heroine” in the worldwide web, the top answer will be the comics of different heroines in the Philippines. Does Filipina’s role in history merely fictional and thus, it does not deserve a more formal introduction than a piece of caricature?
History is a very important subject in school and in society that it is taught from the very first years of learning. In elementary and high school, it is a major subject and consequently in the tertiary level, history is always a requirement for graduation. In the Philippine academic structure, history in elementary is often dubbed as “Sibika at Kultura” and “Heograpiya, Kasaysayan at Sibika or HEKASI” ; in secondary level, “Social Studies or Araling Panlipunan” comes into the picture; lastly, in order to get a bachelor’s degree, a passing grade in “Rizal and Philippine History 101” is always a requirement.
Taking a look at what a basic history subject curriculum looks like, one can easily distinguish and identify that it puts emphasis in its very glorious past with the Spaniards. Taking more than three centuries of our history, I think it is just but proper to give it more pages in the book. And just as like any document that critiques, emphasizes or narrates the Philippine history, this paper will give more focus on the Spanish colonization era.
Women of the past are always synonymous to the words “unsung heroes of the revolution” or probably “silent nation builders”. These heroines are not very much given the attention as the heroes have either in books or in classroom discussions. But is giving them the title “unsung heroes” enough for their contribution in the nation building of this so-called motherland of ours?
We Filipinos have a strong sense of service and heroism. Our endless list of heroes, idols, and role models proves this. Monuments and busts and other commemoratives have been made for our heroes. We also celebrate National Heroes’ Day every year. There can be a lot of different ways on how to commemorate or recognize the existence of an important personality here in the Philippines. Giving that person his or her own day to be a special holiday can be a possible recourse or may be a street, bridge or road named after the person is another option. And most importantly, by merely introducing the person and his or her contributions to students is enough. One does need a statue, museum or even a movie to show that the important personality is indeed important in the society.
In books and documents about the Spanish period, it is very seldom that a female personality is introduced. And to think that it is the easiest way to commemorate an individual. Not mentioning that it is also the cheapest if the excuse is about the financial aspect of the situation. The effect of commemorating one’s greatness or heroic act by means of spreading the information about him or her is considered to be the most powerful of all the recognition one can attain. The greatness of an individual can be passed on and on for generations if only it was taught in school. So, given the characteristics and the impact of such easy-access kind of recognition, the next question will be of the status of the Filipina heroes of the revolution in such manner of commemoration.
Going back to the fact that history is indeed taught and given much importance in the academic community, analyzing on how teachers introduce the great heroes and heroines, if any of them get the chance, to the students.
Ms. Bella Conti, an elementary teacher at St. Joseph College Cavite City, showed to me her lesson plan for elementary students with regards to HEKASI. Important dates with their corresponding event form part of the curriculum. The interesting part of her lesson plan is the “Persons to Remember” list. From the Spanish period to the current President, every important personality is enlisted. And here is part of her list:
HERO/PERSON: CONTRIBUTION/SIGNIFICANCE:
Jose Rizal National Hero
Andres Bonifacio Leader of KKK (Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan)
Emilio Aguinaldo First Filipino President and leader of Magdalo
Apolinario Mabini Brains of the Revolution
GOMBURZA Executed at Bagumbayan and inspired the Propaganda Movement (Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora)
Ferdinand Magellan First Spaniard to set foot in the Philippines and offered it the country to Spain
Lapu Lapu Ruler of Mactan and First Filipino Hero
Rajah Humabon Ruler of Cebu who welcomed Magellan
Antonio Pigafetta Magellan’s chronicler
Miguel Lopez de Legazpi First Governor-General of the Philippines
Mariano Alvarez Leader of Magdiwang
Ruy Lopez de Villalobos Gave the name Philippines, after Prince Phillip of Spain
Juan Luna Painted the “Spolarium”
Gregorio del Pilar Hero of Tirad Pass
Emilio Jacinto Brains of Katipunan
Tandang Sora Doctor of Katipunan
Gregoria de Jesus Wife of Bonifacio and Lakambini of Katipunan
Antonio Luna Writer of La Solidaridad under “Taga Ilog”I
Gabriela Silang First Filipina to lead a revolt
Francisco Dagohoy Leader of the longest revolt

Of the twenty “Persons to Remember” list, only three are female. Going through the list, I found only twenty-four women names out of the more than a hundred names that is introduced to elementary students. And this is not only in the case of St. Joseph College Cavite City because comparing it to the other syllabus for history of other elementary schools, there is not much of a difference.
Analyzing the situation of women in Philippine history, it is definitely of not much importance and recognition. Even in the classroom discussions, in the most primitive years of a child, it will be very special occasion to hear of a Filipina hero. They are not just “unsung” heroes of the revolution – they are “non-existent” heroes.
A higher level of recognition is displayed when a street or bridge is named after such individual. In the Philippines, the National Historical Institute provides for the following guidelines as to naming streets. And these are as written in their website:
REVISED GUIDELINES IN THE APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL IN THE NAMING AND RENAMING OF STREETS, PLAZAS,PUBLIC SCHOOLS, BUILDINGS, BRIDGES AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES:

I. Who may Name or Rename

1. All public places may be named or renamed by the President, through a proclamation or by Congress through legislation. Public places under the jurisdiction of the local governments with the exception of barangays may be named or renamed by the local government unit concerned. (i.e. a provincial road cannot be renamed by a municipal or city government.)

2. A barangay government cannot name or rename any public place. It may recommend naming and renaming to its respective municipal or city government the naming of a street, school or public place under its jurisdiction.

3. No public place can be renamed by a local government unit if the original name was created by an act of Congress or by a proclamation of the President of the Philippines.

4. No public school of hospital under the jurisdiction of the local government unit can be renamed without a local school board resolution, in the case of public schools, or health board resolution, in the case of hospitals, clinics and health
center.

5. No national road, school, hospital and other national property can be named or renamed by a local government unit.

II. Character of Names

1. Proposed names must have historical and cultural significance and must contribute to the positive development of national pride through the good example exhibited by the name being used.

2. The genuine indigenous and non-hispanized names of roads, streets, barangays and other places should always be preserved especially if that name is unique to the place. (i.e. places named Sampaguita, Tagaytay, Kundiman, etc.
should not be renamed)

3. The use of Filipino terminology should be used in the naming or renaming of streets, plazas and other public places.

4. Streets, plazas and other plazas with indigenous names should be retained. Those with no historical or cultural significance may be replaced.

5. The proposed names should be short and simple for practical and aesthetic reasons.

6. As much as possible local governments should be encouraged to name or rename the public places under their jurisdiction after their own local heroes and prominent cultural properties.

III. Naming/Renaming after Persons

1. A street, plaza or any public place may be named or renamed to honor a person or family who contributed to the welfare of the Filipino people.

2. Streets bearing the names of religious personalities identified with the national movement should be retained or recommended for street names as well as for other public places.

3. The proposed names should be as short and simple as possible. Two words will be allowed with one middle initial (i.e. Jose Pl Rizal Street). In cases where the name and initials are the same with other prominent personages, the full name of the person intended to be honored should be specified.

4. Public places such as those already named after presidents, national heroes cannot be replaced with names of people of lesser importance (i.e. places named after national heroes cannot be renamed after local heroes; places named after Presidents cannot be renamed after Senators)

5. In the naming of public places after people, the use of the word “memorial” should be deleted as it is already understood that the person being honored is already deceased.

6. Honorific titles like “Don,” “Doña,” “Father,” “Bishop,” “Jr.,” or “Sr.,” should be deleted in naming or renaming of streets, plazas and other public places for aesthetic and practical reasons.

7. The use of nicknames in the naming of public places should be discouraged.

8. No public place can named or renamed after a living person.

9. No public place should be named or renamed after a person within ten years of his death except of highly exceptional reasons (i.e. his death was due to assassination in the service of the country, death while trying to save others, and the death was a result of his patriotism.)

10. Public schools and hospitals maybe renamed to honor donors of their present sites, heroes and after illustrious personages as long as the locality retains its original name.

11. To avoid confusion in the maintenance of records and postal matters the former name of the public place must always be recommended to be placed under the new name in the signages.

12. No public place should be named or renamed after a person when questionable propriety might arise from the said act.

IV. Historical Significance

1. Recommended names for public places should be appropriate in terms of historical value and significance to the place to be named or renamed.

2. No public place should be renamed if the present name has attained a degree of historical association and has developed an importance of its own.

3. Public places named after foreigners or places with foreign names may be retained if these names were associated with the place and attained historical importance.

V. Aesthetic Unity

1. No street should be renamed if it belongs to a complex of related street names in one district and renaming one of them would destroy aesthetic unity.

VI. Effect of Renaming

1. No portion of a street or road may be renamed if it would tend to disrupt the continuity of its present name.

According to the Chief of the Research, Publications and Heraldry Division of the National Historical Institute(NHI), Augusto de Viana, “By changing the names of the country’s historic streets, we are erasing an important part of our heritage. The indiscriminate renaming of streets and other public places must stop if we are to protect our heritage. Our political authorities should consider restoring the old but historic names.” This statement is quite a shocker and a contrary to the concept that the National Historical Institute’s approval is needed in order to change the name of a certain public place or highway. One of the main purpose of the NHI is to make sure that the historical heritage is preserved and in lieu to this, the NHI is given the power to veto a request of such kind. The Presidential Decree No. 106 by President Ferdinand Marcos that decrees as final and binding the decisions of the NHI on the naming and renaming of historical edifices and landmarks provided sufficient basis for such assumption. Though, looking at the documents regarding the naming of streets, it can be observed that in Senate Bill 1182 as introduced by Senator Aquilino Pimentel, it amends Section 13 of Republic Act 7160, or otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, the power of the Local Government Units and Sangguniang Panlalawigan is amended. The bill is written as such:
SECTION 1. Section 13 of RA 7160 is hereby amended and shall read as follows:

Section 13. Naming (of) Local Government Units, (and) Public Places, Streets and Structures, AND DECLARING LOCAL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.-

(a) The sangguniang panlalawigan, (may) in consultation with the (Philippine Historical Commission (PHC) ) NATIONAL HISTORICAL INSTITUTE (NHI) AND LOCAL HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS, IF ANY, MAY NAME OR change the name of the following within its territorial jurisdiction:

(1) Component cities and municipalities, upon (the) recommendation of the sanggunian concerned:
(2) xxx
(3) xxx
(4) xxx
(5) x x x

(b) The sanggunian(s) of highly urbanized cities and (of) component cities, whose charters prohibit their voters from voting for provincial elective officials, hereinafter referred to (in this Code) as independent component cities, (may), in consultation with the (Philippine Historical Commission), NATIONAL HISTORICAL INSTITUTE, AND LOCAL HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS, IF ANY, MAY NAME OR change the name of the following within its territorial jurisdiction:

(1) City barangays, upon (the) recommendation of the sangguniang
barangay concerned;
(2) x x x
(3) xxx
(4) xxx
(5) xxx

(c) The sanggunian(s) of component cities and municipalities, (may) in
consultation with the (Philippine Historical Commission) NATIONAL HISTORICAL INSTITUTE, AND LOCAL HISTORICALASSOCIATIONS, IF ANY, MAY NAME OR change the name of the following within its territorial jurisdiction:

(1) City and municipal barangays, upon (the) recommendation of the
sangguniang barangay concerned:
(2) xxx
(3) xxx
(4) x xx
(5) x x x
(d) x x x
(e) x x x
(flxxx
(4) x x x
As can be seen, the NHI now becomes a mere “consultant” to such acts even if it imparts a big impact to the historical heritage of the country that the institution swears to protect and preserve. It is not the question of power tripping as others may evaluate the situation, it is the question of the right use of such power. And the result of such big power vested upon the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is that many of the street names of the city of Manila have been renamed even without consultation with the NHI since their approval is not really a requirement but a mere suggestion. Some examples cited by the NHI is the Arroceros which is now Mayor Antonio Villegas Street and Aduana that has been renamed to Andres Soriano Jr. Street. The Marzan Street today is supposed to be Pepin and the Cristobal Street has been Constancia for a time before the politicians changed its name.
The great historian, Gregorio Zaide once called the indiscriminate and without sufficient justice in history kind of renaming the streets the “bigoted nationalism.” It is unfortunate that many of these historical and old places and streets feel to the hands of wrong politicians and deliberately changed their names and consequently, changed the duly bound historical recognition needed. Mr. de Viana is also quoted saying “The result is a country that is erasing its historical heritage. In Manila, the renaming of streets has been done often in complete disregard of their historical significance.”
Though unfortunate as it may seem, it is not enough excuse to forget about the women’s role in history and recognize it. Examining the street names in the country, only a handful of national highways are named after the great heroines. Take for example in España Boulevard which has the following intersections from east to west. The list are as follows:
Mabuhay Rotonda (Welcome Rotonda) —
Mayon Avenue / Quezon Avenue [R-7] (Quezon Boulevard Extension) / E. Rodriguez, Sr. Avenue (España Extension)
Macaraig Street (North side only)
Josefina Street (South side only)
Blumentritt Road / Ibarra Street
Sisa Street
Instruccion Street
Basilio Street
A. H. Maceda Street (Washington Street)
Metrica Street
Craig Street
Kundiman Street
E. Quintos, Sr. Street
San Diego Street
Antipolo Street
Algeciras Street
Prudencio Street
R. S. Cristobal Street
Miguelin Street
V. G. Cruz Street (Economia)
J. Marzan Street
M. dela Fuente Street (Trabajo)
Maria Cristina
Don Quijote Street
Carola Street
Dos Castillas Street
M. Earnshaw Street (North side only)
A. H. Lacson Avenue (Gov. Forbes Street) [C-2]
Valencia Street (South side only)
Ruaño Drive (North side only, inside UST)
Extremadura Street (South side only)
P. Cayco Street (South side only)
Quezon Drive (North side only, inside UST)
M. F. Jhocson (South side only)
Centro Street (South side only)
Osmeña Drive (North side only, inside UST)
Moret Street (South side only)
Galicia Street (South side only)
Tamayo Drive (North side only, inside UST)
Padre Noval Street
Eloisa Street (North side only)
G. M. Tolentino Street (Cataluña Street)
Adelina Street (North side only)
Padre Campa Street
Pacquita Street (North side only)
Lerma [R-7] / Nicanor Reyes Street (Morayta)
Out of the long list of intersections and roads, it can only be identified that less than ten of these are in honor of women. We can not enumerate adequately the emotional suffering and physical deprivation of Philippine women during Revolutionary times. We know principally about persons of note or those married to the principles. Gregoria de Jesus, wife of Bonifacio, struggled to bring about the Katipunan only to see the organization her husband founded turn on him, and secretly execute him after a unjust military trial. But why is it that they still lack appreciation and recognition of all their efforts?
Another way of showing the importance of a person in the country s by celebrating a public holiday for him or her. Like the EDSA People Power Day as a special non-working holiday to commemorate the historic assembly that led to the downfall of a dictator under the name Ferdinand Marcos. Ninoy Aquino has his own special holiday together with Andres Bonifacio and of course, Jose Rizal. There is no question as to the impact these events or people had in our country and they truly deserve a niche in our history. But, how about the others? Did they not qualify for such extravagant recognition?
The Senate Bill 1182 as introduce by Senator Aquilino Pimentel comes with the explanatory note that will enlighten as to the criteria of a person or event deserving of a holiday. It is stated as follows:
Under this bill, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Panlunsod or Bayan, upon consultation with the National Historical Institute and Local Historical Associations, if any, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), may declare, through an ordinance duly approved by three fourths (3/4) vote of all their respective members, not more than two (2) working or non-working special public holidays in a given year to commemorate significant historic events in the locality.

This is an area of local legislation where the Sanggunian is given the task of identifying the momentous past in the annals of the local government unit concerned, and declare it as working or non-working special public holidays, to
honor such special event.
There is no specific gender required to declare someone worth of the recognition through giving a special holiday to commemorate his or her contribution to the history and nation building process of the country. But then again, no special holiday for a single heroine that fought during the revolution. Not even a day for all women revolutionaries. Are they simply part of the National Heroes Day? Such act of not recognizing their efforts is a great way to degrade their contributions.
The following are some of the women revolutionaries that deserves to even be in the syllabus of history classes because they have also sacrificed and devoted their life to the commitment and promise of independence:
Trinidad Tecson, "Mother of Biak-na-bato" is one such heroine. Already active in the Masonic movement, Tecson joined the Katipunan in 1895 at forty-seven years of age. She did the "manly" thing in signing her name with her own blood (something the women rarely did). On the battlefield she wore the Katipunero outfit and fought side by side with the men, enduring their hardships. Wounded at times, she returned to do battle as soon as she recovered. mong her exploits was the capture of munitions from the civil guard at the Caloocan, Rizal courthouse. In another exploit she was among the reconnoiters who captured firearms from the jail in San Isidro. Soldiers captured her and interrogated her for five days. They were, however, unable to discover where she hid the guns. Among her greatest exploits of valor was the defense to the entrance to the fort at Biak-na-bato. She, her husband, Julian Alcantara, and two servants held a superior force at bay and finally repelled the attack. Once, while securing provisions, she evaded capture by pretending death quietly crawling on the grass until she could hide in the dense foliage. Eventually Trinidad organized other women to nurse the wounded and sick soldiers of the Filipino army. Her work spread to the Ilocos region and the Southern provinces. After the war, the American Red Cross recognized her for her nursing work. She died at eighty in 1928.
Agueda Kahabagan is the only woman general in the Philippine revolution. Agueda Kahabagan, also known as “Henerala Agueda,” fought in the attack on San Pablo, Laguna. With a gun in one hand and a dagger in the other, she led her troop in the battlefield against the Spaniards and she is always dressed in white. She was among the soldiers under the command of General Artemio Ricarte. Of note is their attack on the Spanish San Pablo garrison in October, 1897. Having survived the battles against Spain, she joined again in battle against the American Forces. Along with General Pio del Pilar, she fought against the Americans in the Southern Tagalog region. It was probably General del Pilar who recommended that she be granted the title of "General." The March 1899, roster of generals included Agueda as the only female General in the armed forces of the Katipunan. Records show her appointment as General on January 4, 1899. She is the "Tagalog Joan of Arc.”
Teresa Magbanua, on the other hand, earned the sobriquet of the “Visayan Joan of Arc.” In her childhood, Teresa was what we would call a "tom boy." She enjoyed climbing the trees, swimming in the Jaluar river, and riding horses and water buffalo. When her brothers got into fights with other children, she fought along with them. She preferred the company of boys to girls. This concerned her parents who sent her off to a local finishing school and then to two colleges in Manila. At one of these schools in Manila she was the classmate of Dona Aurora Aragon, later the first lady of President Manuel Quezon of the Commonwealth.
Returning home to her hometown of Pototan she began teaching. She was firm but fair and acquired the respect of her community. She then transferred to the town of Sara where she met a wealthy landowner. After her marriage she transferred her energy from the schoolhouse to the plantation where she helped to manage the farm. She also had more opportunity to ride horses and practice her marksmanship. When the Revolution began in Iloilo, Teresa's brothers, Pascual and Elias, joined the Katipunan forces. Eventually Elias became a Major in the revolutionary army, although he was only a teenager. Pascual became a Brigadier General in that army, a noted revolutionary in his own right. Although her husband objected, Teresa's love of country and desire of liberty led her to join in the revolution as well. She enlisted under General Perfecto Poblador, an uncle. According to her sister, Paz Magbanua Penaranda, the conversation went something like this:
"General, I have come to offer my services for our cause."
"Aye, woman," replied General Poblador, "what can you do?"
"I can fight."
"Fight? Why, you are a woman."
"What of it? Cannot a woman fight for her country just as well as a man?"
"Maybe, but..."
"Now General, you know that I can ride and shoot better than you. Give me men to command and I will show you how a woman can fight for her country."
In battle, she commanded a group of men so patriotic as to verge on the fanatical. Under her command they would attack any enemy group, regardless of the odds, if she gave the order. She also fought against American forces in Jaro in 1899. Her followers and local inhabitants called her "General" even though there is no record of her being so "officially" designated. Eventually it became obvious that the fight against superior American forces was futile. She disbanded her men and returned home. Her greatest loss during these revolutionary times was the deaths of her two brothers. It was made more tragic that other Filipinos killed them. Elias died at 19 from the bullet of a Filipino guide working with the American forces. Even more tragic was the death of her brother Pascual. Bandits murdered him. Some believe those bandits were in league with personal enemies, jealous of his successes. They threw his body into the river, never to be recovered. When Japan attacked the Philippines, Teresa sold all her property to help finance the guerrilla forces. She migrated to Mindanao and died in 1947 in Zamboanga.
These women did not only risk their life for our independence but they showed the country that gender is not an issue. It very difficult to understand the reason behind each “no” to every single and possible way to honor these women. Less or none at all, pages in history books that led to no part in syllabus of every history class in the country, no special holiday provided and a small number of streets named after --- it is not enough. It will definitely be not even up to par of what they have done for the country. They deserve such honor and distinction.
Come to think of it, even the national hero, Jose Rizal, never described a Filipina as a heroine. He pictured women to be all like Maria Clara. She is the epitome of woman who is naïve, innocent and weak. Or she can also be Sisa. She is a mother that was regularly beaten up by her husband and did not have anything to do to find her children but to turn herself crazy and roam around the city. A very great example that indeed, many Filipinos have followed. The national hero of the country is not recognizing the women’s role in society as important as his, is just too perfect and very enticing to go against.
A survey was done among college students studying at De La Salle University-Manila requesting them to name only five Filipina heroes. Surprisingly, out of the twenty respondents, not a single student can give exactly five names. Most of the students can only name three which are most probably: Tandang Sora, Gabriela Silang and Corazon Aquino. Personally, I am in doubt if Corazon Aquino is yet to be declared a hero. Some of the answers even come as a shock since these characters are supposed to be not real and just fictional like Prinsesa Urduja and Maria Clara. Most of them answered two or three names with the highest probability that the names are not correct, supplying a different last name or a wrong spelling. Unique answers like Teresita Ang See and Kris Aquino are doubted but when confirmed that they really think that these people do contribute in history, it was a total surprise. Usual answers are – Gregoria de Jesus, Teresa Magbanua, Josefa Llanes Escoda, Teodora Agoncillo, Victoria Lactaw and even Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gained some supporters. The result of the survey is disappointing and very shocking that even these students from top universities are not aware even of the names of our Filipina heroes. This is how extensive the ignorance about such exemplary women is. This is the proof of the declining preservation of the historical heritage and the dominance of his story.
These connotations and impressions of a Filipina women must stop! It is to their own right that they deserve recognition and appreciation. Calling them “unsung heroes” and “silent nation builders” is very derogatory. We need to move and do our part to help them not to be “unsung” and “silent.” So, I give an award to every Filipina, not only those who fought during the revolution but to every single woman, that believes in herself and do things that she knew were for the better of the society. A Pinay Award to all of you because you deserve it! May every woman who read this paper be inspired to her part and to the male audience, start appreciating and recognizing the female persona that has changed the history of this nation.