The term “warrior” typically conjures up an image of ironclad gladiator or soldier who braved out some

of history’s bloodiest battles. In the Philippines, heroes like Andres Bonifacio and Jose Rizal are very
popular. However, there also many unsung heroes whose contribution in battles have been forgotten.
Also, most people think that there are only heroes, and heroines don’t exist. Without the help of
Gabriela Silang and Corazon Aquino, people won’t recognize women empowerment and girl power. But
only the two of them are well-known. At this juncture, I would want to make another heroine known to
you.

General Teresa Magbanua, the Joan Arc of Visayas. She is the woman who battled against Spanish and
American forces. She is also known as “Nay Isa”. And take note that she was a “Tomboy” as a child but is
married to Alejandro Balderas, a wealthy landowner from Sara, Iloilo. In addition, she was a teacher and
a military leader.

On 1886 Philippine Revolution against the Spanish empire, she is one of only few women who join the
Panay-based Visayan arm of Katipunan.In October 1898, the war entered Iloilo and her two brothers
joined Revolutionary army. While Magbanua wanted to help-out the war effort, her husband was
against it. But she didn’t listen. She went to her uncle, Major General Perfecto Poblador and asked him
to join the army. She led her first battle on horseback. Could you believe that Spanish were defeated by
a female troop leader? Her efforts on this battle earned her title “Visayan Joan of Arc”.

While on December 24, 1898, she participated in the liberation of Iloilo City with Generals Martin
Delgado, Roque Lopez, Quintin Salas, and others. She helped circle Iloilo City, allowing General Delgado
to enter and re-take the city from the Spaniards. Sustained with passion of patriotism, she also
participated on several battles against the American force during Philippine American war. In the battle
of Iloilo City , Magbanua, along with General Delgado , suddenly failed and American forces took Iloilo
City. During World War II, still with her unwavering fight for freedom, she sold her properties to
purchase food and supplies which she gave to the local guerillas.

Magbanua died on an unknown date on August 1947. But even though not recognized for her courage
and service, there were streets named after her in Pototan, Iloilo. Several awards are also given out in
her name including Gawad Teresa Magbanua award and Teresa Magbanua Award. And in Pototan, Iloilo.
they observe October 13 as Tersesa Magbanua Day.

General Teresa Magbanua reminds us of the credibility of a woman to fight for Filipinos not to allow any
conqueror to shoot Filipinos dead on the streets nor to manipulate potential Filipinos. The call of
heroism is to safeguard the dignity of every Filipino and to stand on it even if it entails sacrifices.