The Republic of the Philippines is a country made of over 7000 islands. It’s a sovereign state that had to fight two world powers (Spain and The United States of America) for independence, plus it was a major battleground in WWII. During all these wars, women fought both in a support capacity and directly, on the battlefield, as soldiers. The most famous is Agueda Kahabagan, known by the Spanish as “The Tagalog Joan of Arc”.
The Philippine Revolution was a war between The Philippines and Spain that is generally said to have begun in 1896. The Revolution became more complicated when America, which had its own economic interests in the region, went to war with Spain in 1898 (this was the famous Spanish-American War, starring William Randolph Hearst and Teddy Roosevelt). The United States unofficially supported the Philippine rebels until Spain was defeated. Then the USA refused to recognize Philippine Independence, so The Philippines had to go to war again, this time against the USA. They did not fully achieve independence until after WWII.
The Katipunan Society, founded on July 7, 1892, was an early revolutionary group. The revolution was launched when this organization was discovered by the Spanish Government. Initially, the organization was only open to men but later women were admitted. This organization led the revolution until a schism in 1897, when the Magdiwang Faction took over.
Very little is known about Agueda Kahabagan, but she is an almost legendary figure in the history of the Philippines. She was the only female general in the armed forces division of the Katipunan. She led troops in battle and was officially granted the title of ‘General’ on July 4, 1899 – the first and only female general. Her most renowned moment in battle was her participation in the siege of the San Pablo garrison in 1897. She was famous for riding her horse with a bolo in one hand and a rifle in another. After fighting the Spanish, she fought the Americans. When the war ended, so did all mention of her.
Agueda Kahabagan’s fate is unknown. Perhaps this is part of what makes her so legendary: she has no origin story. Where did she come from? What motivated her to fight? How did she achieve respect and acknowledgement from her peers? What happened to her? She rides up into history, on a white horse with a bolo in one hand and a rifle (or in some stories, a machete) in the other, and then she rides away.
We know she was a real person. We also know that she was not alone – Dr. Robert L. Yoder wrote a fascinating article titled “Philippine Heroines of the Revolution”. He discusses women such as Melchora Aquino who served a vital supporting role by relaying messages, supplying troops, and concealing meetings; spies like Patrocinia Gamboa; and battlefield warriors such as Trinidad Tescon. Women continued to serve in WWII, notably Lourdes Castro who followed her war service by fighting for just compensation and recognition for Filipino veterans.
In addition to the article by Dr. Yoder referenced above, you can find a great list of kickass Fillipinas in the article “6 Badass Filipina Warriors You Never Heard of,” by Luisito E. Batongbakal Jr.
NB: I am new to Philippine culture and history, so any gaffes in terms of terminology or accuracy are entirely my own and do not represent any intentional insensitivity. The Philippines clearly have a rich, fascinating history filled with fascinating, kickass women! Do you have links or additional stories to add? Please drop them in the comments!
Sources and further reading:
Philippine Heroines of the Revolution: Maria Clara they were not
by Dr. Robert L. Yoder, FAPC
Lest We Forget Our Unsung Founding Mothers
(I cannot find a byline for the writer of this article – apologies!)
6 Badass Filipina Warriors You Never Heard Of
by Luisito E. Batongbakal Jr.
Special thanks to Jullie Anne Caparas of Teacups and Book Love for helping make sure we used terminology correctly!
As a Filipino woman, this post warms my heart. Another notable revolutionary was Gabriela Silang. She was the wife of another revolutionary, Diego Silang. After her husband died, she took up the mantle and continued fighting in the revolution. She was later captured and publicly executed. One of the most influential women’s group in the Philippines is named after her.
Thanks for sharing this! I love learning about women like Agueda.
Thanks so much for this. I have been enjoying reading the Kickass Women in History segment ever since the podcast about Victorian steampunk women. There are so many women whose historical contributions are un(der)told, and I am happy to be reading about some of them.
On a general note, earlier today, I saw the film “Mr. Turner” about the English seascape painter. There is a scene in the film where he meets Mary Somerville, and she demonstrates Newton’s separation of white light into colors using a prism. It is clear in the film she is a well-known figure in the sciences at that time. I’m just sorry I hadn’t heard of her until now. I was compelled to spend some time googling her. (And there went my Sunday afternoon.)
http://blogs.rmg.co.uk/rog/2014/10/29/mr-turner-mrs-somerville/
Thank you for this post. I have to admit that I haven’t even heard about her at school. We have discussed a few Filipino heroines but never her so thanks for sharing. 🙂