Ma. Josefa Gabriela Silang, more commonly known as Gabriela Silang, is a revolutionary Filipino woman from the Ilocos who aspired to free her people from the cruel Spanish colonizers.
I believe everybody is aware of her role in our history/herstory. During the Silang Revolt in the 1700s, she carried on with her husband's struggle even after the brutal Spaniards assassinated Diego Silang. However, she was conquered by the Spanish forces and was hanged in Vigan. She died at a young age of 32.
But more than that, and what we should always learn by heart, is that Gabriela Silang's revolutionary spirit significantly inspired Filipino women from then on to continue the struggle for a free and abundant society. Our women heroes followed her example and fought courageously against the enemies of the people. Still many continue to work for those same dreams and aspirations.
Our times may have apparently changed from Gabriela Silang's. But the very pictures of sufferings of women remain to these days that we should continue to be vigilant and militant ion addressing the issues that affect the people. Peace and freedom remain elusive and poverty continues to wound our youth and children. Gabriela Silang did her own form of struggle hundred centuries ago and our generations should do our own by working united to change our condition.
I believe that if only Gabriela Silang is still alive today, she definitely
would have led another revolution. This time she would be outraged
against the economic crisis and the resurgence of violence that suppress
the basic rights of her people.
Who said we could not live the spirit and legacy of Gabriela Silang?
