Commemorating the Philippines’ 127th Independence Day: Honoring the Filipino Women’s Enduring Fight for Freedom and Peace
As the nation commemorates the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) honors the countless Filipino women whose stories of resilience, courage, and sacrifice helped shape our nation’s freedom and continue to inspire the pursuit of peace in our daily lives. The story of our independence is incomplete without recognizing the vital role of Filipino women. Their enduring legacy calls us to build a nation worthy of their struggles—one where peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, dignity, and equality for all.
From the women of the revolution—Melchora Aquino, who provided sanctuary, food, and medical care to Filipino revolutionaries despite Spanish persecution; Gregoria de Jesus, the keeper of the Katipunan’s secrets; Teresa Magbanua, known as the “Joan of Arc of the Visayas”; Gabriela Silang, who epitomized courage, patriotism and wit in the battlefield; Pura Villanueva Kalaw, who used her pen to champion women’s rights and national independence, asserting that true freedom required the liberation of both the nation and its women; Trinidad Tecson, who served as a nurse during the revolution and documented war atrocities to ensure that the sacrifices of Filipino fighters would never be forgotten; and Clemencia López, who travelled to the United States to advocate for Philippine independence and women’s rights through delivering powerful speeches, engaging with media, and becoming the first Filipina to set foot in the White House to present her advocacies for liberation and women’s rights to the U.S. government.
During the Japanese occupation, women heroes rose once again—Nieves Fernandez, who led guerrilla forces in Leyte; Yay Panlilio, a war correspondent and guerrilla fighter; Josefa Llanes Escoda, a humanitarian leader executed by Japanese forces for her resistance activities; and beauty queen Remedios Guinto Gomez-Paraiso, also known as Kumander Liwayway, a fearless commander of the Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa mga Hapon, whose statement that “a woman could be both feminine and fierce, beautiful and deadly” inspired countless women to join the resistance across Luzon.
Hail and respect to all Filipino women of yesterday and today, who fought and continue to fight for genuine freedom and lasting peace. Today’s Filipino women carry this legacy forward in new and evolving forms. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), many of whom are women working as domestic helpers and caregivers, endure separation from their families to ensure economic stability at home, while contributing billions to the national economy. Women’s rights advocates continue to push for economic justice, good governance, reproductive rights, and protection from violence—recognizing that personal freedom and national independence are deeply interconnected. Environmental defenders, including many Indigenous women, stand at the frontlines against exploitation, upholding the ancestral duty to protect the homeland and its natural resources for future generations.
The struggles of Filipino women for independence and peace remind us that freedom is not a destination, but an ongoing journey. From revolutionary sanctuary to modern-day peace advocates in conflict zones, Filipino women have long understood that true independence demands more than just political autonomy—it requires social justice, economic equality, and enduring peace.
As we commemorate this 127th Independence Day, we recognize that the fight for freedom continues in every woman who stands against oppression, in every mother who raises her children with the values of justice and compassion, and in every leader who strives to heal the wounds of conflict.
Their courage reminds us that independence is not merely about freedom from foreign rule, but the ongoing work of building a nation where every Filipino can live with dignity, security, and hope.
Mabuhay ang kababaihang Pilipino, mabuhay ang malayang Pilipinas!