Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit
The University of the Philippines Manila marked the upcoming 128th Philippine Independence Day with a meaningful reflection on nationalism, freedom, and nation-building, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of women in the country’s long struggle for independence.
Speaking before UP Manila officials, faculty, staff, and students, College of Arts and Sciences Associate Professor and Center for Gender and Women’s Studies (CGWS) Director Mary Dorothy Jose underscored the importance of revisiting history through a more inclusive lens.
“Bakit pag inaalala natin ang Araw ng Kasarinlan, bakit puro lalaki ang itinatanghal natin? O pag nagbabasa tayo ng Philippine history, bakit halos puro lalaki ang mga bayani na nakikilala natin?” she asked during the flag ceremony hosted by the Office of Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development, Campus Development and Maintenance Office, and Information Management Services, on June 8, 2026, at the Joaquin Gonzalez Compound.
Dir. Jose traced the country’s history before colonization and the long struggle against Spanish rule that culminated in the declaration of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898. She recounted the contributions of revolutionaries and reformists who fought for freedom. However, she pointed out that historical narratives often highlight only male figures, leaving many women revolutionaries unrecognized. She explained that Philippine history has long been shaped by what she described as the “male archetype of the revolutionary,” a framework that associates heroism with men who fought in battle and led armed resistance.
“Dahil nga doon sa mahabang panahon ng kolonyalismo at kaakibat nito na patriyarkiya, nagkaroon tayo ng ideya na ang bayani o ang rebolusyonaryo ay isang lumalaban, humahawak ng armas, nangangabayo ay lalaki,” she said.
She emphasized that women also played significant roles in the revolution, citing figures such as Gabriela Silang, Teresa Magbanua, Agueda Kahabagan, Gregoria de Jesus, Espiridiona Bonifacio, Trinidad Tecson, Josefa Rizal, Trinidad Rizal, Nazaria Lagos, and Patrocinio Gamboa.
“Ang dami nating mga babaeng bayani na dapat kilalanin, na mayroon ding mahalagang ambag sa ating kasarinlan na tinatamasa ngayon,” Jose said. She also discussed how women in history have frequently been remembered primarily through maternal roles rather than their leadership and revolutionary contributions.
Calling on the UP Manila community to broaden its understanding of heroism, Dir. Jose encouraged everyone to move beyond narrow definitions of who can be considered a revolutionary. She reminded the audience that while the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes secured freedom, Filipinos continue to face challenges to democracy, dignity, and national sovereignty.
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