MANILA, Philippines — Proposals to declare the birthday of key revolutionary figure Melchora Aquino — better known as Tandang Sora — as a special working holiday for Quezon City would remind the city’s residents of her bravery and heroism, Quezon City 5th District Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas said.
In a statement on Wednesday, Vargas thanked both the House of Representatives and the Senate for approving bills that seek to declare January 6 a holiday, in honor of Aquino’s bravery.
According to Aquino, he is proud that he hails from Novaliches — an area in Quezon City that sits near Aquino’s birthplace. Aquino was born in Caloocan City, but her birthplace is currently within Quezon City, in a barangay named after her.
“This is a momentous occasion that will remind us of the martyrdom and sacrifices of Tandang Sora, who is a key figure in the liberation of our country,” Vargas said.
“As a Novaleño, I could not be any prouder that her heroism took place in my beloved district in Novaliches,” he added.
Vargas noted that Novaliches still serves as home of the “Katipunan Tree”, a duhat tree where it was said that Aquino motivated members of the Kataaastaasang, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan (KKK), fondly called Katipuneros.
Aquino, despite her advanced age when the Katipuneros’ revolution against Spanish conquerors intensified in 1986, became a key member of the KKK, often providing fighters with food. She was also responsible for nursing Katipuneros who were wounded in battle.
Aquino was arrested in August 1896, but she refused to reveal information about the revolutionary movement.
READ: In The Know: Melchora Aquino
According to Vargas, he hopes that House Bill No. 5850 which he authored would pay tribute to all women who played significant roles in society – which he believes could greatly impact efforts towards nation-building.
“Tandang Sora’s courage and motherly love live on,” he noted.