MANILA, Philippines —Despite the cultivated belief that the Filipino husband is a “macho,” (cocky, manful, or muscular) species, it remains a point of contention that the Philippines is a matriarchal society and men usually defer to their wives in front of their peers.

 “Si Kumander,” is what the wife is meekly referred to when he is with other men, pointing to her with unabashed submission. In the not-so-distant past, and still in other parts of the country, the “lola” or grandmother is the arbiter of a family feud.

The Philippines has a long history to show that women are equal if not more than their husband.

This year, as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Melchora “Tandang Sora” Aquino, we are reminded of the matriarchal role our women heroes have contributed to the elevation of their status in our society.

We have shown our gratitude by  endowing Tandang Sora such names as “Grand Woman of the revolution,” “Mother of Balintawak,” “Mother of the Katipunan,” and “Mother of the Philippine Revolution.”

In the Centennial Resource Book: Ang mga Pilipino sa Ating Kasaysayan (The Filipinos in our History) and from excerpts from Talambuhay ng mga Bayani (The Biography of our Heroes) by Rene Alba, the following women are listed as indicative of the Filipinas’  leading role in our social and political lives:

From Central Luzon and Manila:

Teodora Alonzo, the mother of the national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, who was persecuted by the Spanish authorities.

Gregoria De Jesus, known as Lakambini and Mother of the Philippine Revolution and wife of Supremo Andres Bonifacio.

Espiridiona Bonifacio, the youngest sibling of Andres Bonifacio. She helped the Katipuneros, by hiding the stolen guns and other weapons from the Spaniards under her big skirt.

Agueda Esteban, wife of a Katipunero who became a lieutenant colonel in the revolutionary army. She was also a courier between her husband and Gen. Artemio Ricarte, whom she married after her husband’s death.

 From Southern Luzon and Bicol:

Hilaria del Rosario, the first wife of General Emilio Aguinaldo, she joined her husband in his campaigns. In 1899, she organized the Hijas de la Revolucion (Daughters of the Revolution), which later became the Associacion Nacional de la Cruz Roja (National Association of the Red Cross).

Marcela M. Agoncillo sewed the Philippine flag on orders of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, while they were in exile in Hong Kong. She worked on the flag for five days with the help of her eldest daughter Lorenza and Mrs. Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, Rizal’s niece by his sister Lucia.

 Agueda Kahabagan, woman general in the Philippine revolution, she fought in the battlefield against the Spanish forces and became known as “Henerala Agueda.”

Gregoria Montoyo. Standing on a trench, she held a long bolo in one hand and the Katipunan flag in the other while leading some 30 rebels in the Battle of Calero Bridge in Dalahican, Cavite.

Glicera Marella Villavicencio. She and her husband Eulalio contributed huge amounts of money to support the Propaganda Movement. They also helped disseminate leaflets, pamphlets, and copies of La Solidaridad.

 From Western Visayas:

Teresa Magbanua, sister of General Pascual Magbanua who fought many battles against Spain and became the first woman general in the Visayas.