Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Role
Role
In the Filipino version of the creation, the first man and woman sprang
full-blown from the same cylinder of bamboo at the same time. Man was
called "Malakas" or strong and woman was called "IVIaganda" or beautiful
(Role of Women in the Philippines).
Women had an important position in the family. She was not merely
a partner in the marriage contract. In many cases, she was practically
the head of the house. She could make contracts and business
arrangements without necessarily consulting her husband. Her dowry
and property owned before marriage was hers, and she administered
them with absolute independence. (The Asian, 1971)
14 A Profile of Filipino Women
Filipinas were the equal of men not only in the home, but also in
social and political affairs. History notes that the ancient Malay male
rulers, like Panay Chief, Marikudo, consulted their wives before
making important decisions on matters of state. (AldabaLim, 1974).
Women could also succeed their husbands or fathers in the leadership
of the tribe, in the absence of a male heir. (Valladolid, 1975).
Outstanding women leaders in pre-Spanish Philippines were Queen
Sima and Princess Urduja (Aldaba-Lim, 1974).
B. Spanish Period
The Code of Roman Law, from which Spanish law was derived,
underlined man's superiority and woman's limited capacity to act.
Myths of helpless womanhood dependent on male gallantry were
propagated. Dominant female traits included passivity and piety. The
Spanish Code of Laws, according to researcher N. V. Bley, had the
effect of confining the woman inside the home. She was forbidden
the right to transact business without the legal sanction of her
husband, or even to dispose of her own paraphernal property.
Historical Perspective 15
In fact under the Spanish Civil Code, women enjoyed no greater rights in family
and property law than minors, lunatics and idiots (Seminar on Working Women, 1976).
Even education was primarily a male prerogative. (Aldaba-Lim, 1974).
Gabriela Silang (1723-1763) was the first Filipino woman general, at a time
when women usually stayed at home. The wife of Diego Silang, a Filipino hero, she
led her husband's men against the Spaniards after his death. Starting out with 200
men, the membership increased in number to 2,000 as against 6,000 Spaniards (Role
of Women).
Melchora Aquino (1812-1919), better known as Tandang Sora, was a great help
in the Katipunan revolutionary movement by providing the men with food and
shelter (Role of Women).
Trinidad Perez Tecson (1848-1928) fought in twelve battles during the revolution.
She started Red Cross work in the Philippines and organ ized groups of women to do
nursing work for the soldiers.
The women's revolution during the Spanish regime was not limited to political
insurrections. Women also participated in peaceful movements for educational
reforms. The women of Malolos, Bulacan were celebrated by the famous letter
addressed to them by Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero. At a period when
educational priorities were reserved for men, these women organized themselves to
petition for the granting of equal educational opportunities to women. (Role of
Women; Castillo, 1976).
16 A Profile of Filipino Women
C. American Occupation
From this historical account of the evolution of the status and role
of Filipino women, it is seen that various cultures had different
influences which greatly affected their conditions in society. Depending
on the needs of the time, several women became outstanding for
championing the women's cause which proves that if properly
harnessed, women can indeed make significant contributions to
development.