Battle-tested Ilongga

By Herman M. Lagon

Teresa Magbanua’s legacy demands more attention, particularly now as we celebrate her birthday this October—though some may say it falls in November. What matters most is not the exact date but the impact of this Ilongga warrior whose bravery and leadership have stood the test of time. Teresa, known as the “Joan of Arc of the Visayas,” was a legendary Philippine revolutionary. In 1868, she was born in Pototan, Iloilo. She was a brilliant teacher who defied expectations in a male-dominated society by becoming a strong military revolutionary leader. Her life and legacy exemplify how ordinary people can achieve remarkable things when given the chance to stand up for what they believe in.

It is almost surreal to imagine Teresa, affectionately known as “Nanay Isa,” leading her troops into battle on horseback, bolo in hand, against Spanish and American forces. She was not merely participating; she was commanding. In a time when women were expected to stay in the shadows, Magbanua took center stage. Her leadership in the battles of Barrio Yoting and Sapong Hills, where she successfully led bolo troops to victory, cemented her place in history as one of the few Filipinas to engage directly in combat. Her tactical acumen earned her the respect of her peers and the nickname “Visayan Joan of Arc.” Her mural portrait in Muelle Loney, Iloilo City, depicted with a “bakunawa” in blue dragon, symbolizes her strength and tenacity in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

As a proud Magbanua myself on my mother’s side from Pototan, I cannot help but hope that at least a drop of her courage runs in my veins. Teresa’s heroism is not just a point of pride for our family but for every Filipino who values freedom. This battle-tested Ilongga’s story is even more inspiring because she did not seek fame or recognition. She fought because it was the right thing to do. Her actions had a certain humility that resonates with many of us today. In a world where loudness often equates to leadership, Teresa’s quiet strength speaks volumes.

While her role in the revolution is often celebrated, Teresa’s journey from a school teacher to a revolutionary leader is truly remarkable. Educated in Manila, she initially followed a more traditional path for women. But when the call for freedom came, she did not hesitate to swap her chalk for a bolo. Her transition from school to war shows her deep sense of duty to protect the nation’s future, even at great risk. This duality of both nurturing and fighting is a trait that many teachers today can relate to. Educators shape the future with the same level of commitment that Teresa showed in defending the nation.

Her courage was not limited to physical battles. Teresa also defied societal expectations, breaking free from the constraints that held back many women of her time. When she joined the revolution, she convinced her uncle, General Perfecto Poblador, to let her fight. This moment may seem small, but it reveals the deep-seated gender biases within the revolutionary ranks. Teresa’s story reminds us that true heroism is not just about facing external enemies; it is about challenging the societal norms that try to limit our potential.

Another thing that makes Magbanua unique is her consistency throughout various conflict eras. She resisted the Japanese during World War II, carried on her fight against the Spanish colonists, and participated in the Philippine-American War. Few people can honestly say they fought in all three major wars that shaped our country, so her unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom is exceptional. Teresa did not give up or move aside when most people would have. Even after she ceased to be an active combatant in World War II, she sold her belongings to raise money for the guerilla resistance against the Japanese. She is a hero for all time because of her unwavering pursuit of justice and freedom, not just in her era.

But Teresa’s history has only sometimes been kind to her. Teresa never received official military recognition, unlike her brothers Pascual and Elias. This mistake is a stark reminder of how women’s contributions have frequently been downplayed or disregarded. However, Teresa’s legacy lives on, especially in Iloilo, where she is honored with streets and awards named in her honor. Teresa Magbanua Day is observed on October 13 in Pototan, Iloilo, as a fitting remembrance of the woman who led soldiers into battle for her people’s freedom rather than her glory.

Teresa Magbanua’s life invites us to re-evaluate our definitions of heroism in general. Her acts went beyond simply vanquishing foes in combat. They were about defying the limits placed upon her by society and by her own loved ones, who initially discouraged her from joining the fight. Teresa’s story should inspire women, mainly because one’s gender does not determine courage but one’s convictions. It is an essential message for the younger generation, especially given the current climate in which gender equality is still vital.

Teachers will enjoy reading Teresa’s account of her journey from classroom teacher to warrior. It serves as a reminder that there are numerous avenues for fighting for a brighter future, including both the front lines and the classroom. All educators imbue their students with the same virtues that she did: bravery, tenacity, and commitment. Just as Teresa fought to protect her nation’s future, teachers today fight to protect their students’ futures by giving them the knowledge and principles required to build a just and free society.

While some of her male contemporaries have impressive monuments dedicated to them, Teresa Magbanua left an equally significant legacy. Her grit in fighting injustice, defiance of social norms, and dedication to freedom have made her one of our most inspiring figures. On her birthday this October, we are urged to remember her as more than the “Joan of Arc of the Visayas.” This Ilongga heroine’s life and legacy serve as a reminder that true gallantry frequently lies in the silent, unwavering pursuit of what is true and right. May her life story encourage us to keep fighting for freedom, equality, and justice in our unique ways as we pay tribute to her today.

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Doc H fondly describes himself as a “student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.