By Leilani S. Junio
MANILA, (PNA) — Descendants of Melchora Aquino, the revolutionary heroine better known as “Tandang Sora,” gathered at the Tandang Shrine in Barangay Tandang Sora, Novaliches, Quezon City to remember her during the observance of All Souls’ Day on Saturday.
Together, they laid flowers, lighted candles and offered prayers for the departed heroine of the Katipunan led by Andres Bonifacio at the shrine built in her birthplace in Sitio Banlat, formerly a part of Barangay Talipapa in Novaliches.
According to Efren Figueroa, a fourth (4th) generation descendant of the “grand old woman” of the 1896 Philippine revolution, they are doing a simple annual gathering that also serves as a reunion for them as they reminisce her (referring to Tandang Sora) outstanding contribution to the campaign for the country’s independence.
He said “Tandang Sora” had proven that age is never a hindrance to do good or something worthy for the country.
“We are very proud that despite her age, which is 84 years during that time, she was able to extend help to the Katipuneros. She did not hesitate to give her wealth for the sake of the Katipuneros. She gave 100 sacks of rice, three carabaos to help feed and cure the Katipuneros in the quest for freedom from Spanish oppression,” he stressed.
Figueroa said that at present, the descendants of Tandang Sora, including him in the fourth generation, number at least 250.
He cited that about nine out of the more than 40 third (3rd) generation descendants are still alive and their ages range between 80 and 95 years.
Some of them are Irene Herrera, Steven Ramos, Ricardo Eugenio, Amado Eugenio, Isabel Roxas, Pedro Eugenio, Emilio Cleofas, Petronila Reyes and Consolacion Clemente.
Eighty-two-year-old Irene Herrera, together with her grandchildren, comes every year to pay homage to the grand old lady whom they give so much respect and admiration.
“When we were younger, being descendants or ‘apo’ of Tandang Sora seems to be not really a ‘big thing’. At least now, being recognized as one of her descendants makes us feel a bit proud that we have a blood like her, full of kindness, generosity and unselfishness to help for the good of the country,” Herrera said.
Together with other descendants of the grand old woman of the Katipunan, she said that she strongly believes that the blood of the revolutionary heroine will continue to flow as their relatives are inspiring and encouraging future descendants to do good for the country or follow the values and legacy of the grand old lady.
She added that more and more Filipino women will also be inspired to be another “Tandang Sora” of the future who will unselfishly contribute what she can for the common good of the country even if it means sacrificing one’s life and wealth if needed.
Jacinto Francisco Jr., another descendant of Tandang Sora and who also serves as caretaker of the Tandang Sora Shrine, said that as of now, the Quezon City government, through the Office of Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, is undertaking efforts toward the establishment of the Tandang Sora Museum. For this purpose, some lots in the area where the old residence of Tandang Sora used to exist, are being eyed for purchase.
Under the proposed museum, some historical facts, commemorative markers, old photos, belongings and other significant things on the lives of the grand old lady will be displayed to inspire future generations.
At present, some of the old farm equipment used by Tandang Sora in their family farm are being stored in Francisco’s office at the shrine compound which serves as a temporary museum.
The family tree of the Tandang Sora clan is also there as well as art creations of Quezon City students depicting the traits of Tandang Sora.
The shrine compound, which has a total area of 2,800 square meters, was declared as a national landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on March 3, 2012 under the initiative of Vice Mayor Belmonte.
It is where the remains of Tandang Sora were transferred from its former resting place at the Himlayang Pilipino Memorial Park in January 2012.
Born on Jan. 6, 1812, Tandang Sora was known as the Mother of the Philippine Revolution in 1896. Despite being 84 years old, she offered her service to the freedom fighters by sheltering and feeding the tired and wounded Katipuneros.
The Spanish government later arrested and deported her to Guam where she remained for several years, working as a house helper.
She returned to the country in 1903 and died in 1919 at the age of 107.
She had six children to husband Fulgencio Ramos who died early and left her a farm which she managed.
They were Juan, Estefania, Romualdo, Simon, Saturnina and Juana.