ANG PARTISIPASYON NG MGA KABABAIHAN SA DIGMAANG PILIPINO-AMERIKANO

A Mini Research
Presented on The Role of Filipino Women in the Philippine-American War

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

Submitted To:
Mark John Sayson
Professor in Readings In Philippine History

Submitted By:
Austria, Sofia Angela
Galvan, Gerriz P.
Lin, Yanna
Pamilaran, Alyssa Marie
Rana, Adam Yujin
Sabalza, Czar
Tuazon, Venjim

November 12 2024
INTRODUCTION
The Philippine-American War (1899-1902) was a period of intense conflict between the newly
declared First Philippine Republic and the United States, which had taken control of the
Philippines following the Spanish-American War. This struggle for independence highlighted the
resilience and determination of Filipinos from all walks of life, including women whose roles in
the resistance remain largely uncelebrated. In his research, historian Ronaldo B. Mactal sheds
light on these women and their essential contributions to the war effort.

Despite societal expectations of women’s roles being restricted to the household, many Filipino
women took up arms, served as spies, nursed the wounded, and engaged in various forms of
resistance. Their participation challenges the traditional narratives of the war, and examining
their roles offers a fuller understanding of both the conflict itself and the evolution of Filipino
society in the early 20th century.

Women’s Roles and Contributions

Notable Female Figures

Several women became prominent figures in the resistance due to their bravery, leadership,
and contributions:

● Agueda Kahabagan: Known as the “Tagalog Joan of Arc,” she fought alongside Filipino
soldiers and was recognized as a general in the revolutionary army. Her bravery in
combat defied gender norms, and she became an enduring symbol of female valor.
● Trinidad Tecson: Called the “Mother of Biak-na-Bato,” Tecson risked her life numerous
times to aid the revolution. She tended to the wounded, led fundraising efforts, and
fought in battles herself.

These women, among others, stood as icons of Filipino resistance, and their involvement
highlighted the broad and crucial role that women played in the struggle.

Activities and Roles Undertaken by Women

Filipino women engaged in various activities to support the resistance effort. Their roles
included:

● Spies and Couriers: Women served as essential members of the intelligence network.
They passed along information about enemy positions, troop movements, and strategic
plans. Their ability to blend into the civilian population made them effective in this role.
● Nurses: Many women nursed the wounded and provided care for soldiers in makeshift
hospitals and camps. This role was physically demanding and dangerous, as medical
personnel often had to work in remote areas close to the frontlines.
● Fundraisers: Women organized community gatherings to raise funds for supplies, such
as food, medicine, and clothing, for the revolutionary army. They coordinated donations
and ensured that resources reached the soldiers in the field.
These activities underscored women’s active participation in the war effort, breaking the
stereotype that women were passive bystanders in armed conflicts.

Social and Cultural Impact

Influence on Gender Roles

The roles assumed by Filipino women during the Philippine-American War had a profound
impact on gender norms in Filipino society. By taking on tasks typically reserved for men,
women demonstrated strength, intelligence, and resilience. This defied the restrictive gender
expectations of the time, where women were primarily expected to manage the home and care
for family members.

Women’s roles in the resistance expanded the understanding of gender capabilities within
Filipino society. These pioneering acts helped set the stage for greater acceptance of women’s
participation in the public sphere, not only in times of conflict but in peacetime as well.

Public Perception of Women’s Involvement

Despite their contributions, the public perception of women in armed resistance was mixed.
Some viewed these women as patriotic and heroic, willing to risk everything for their nation.
Others, however, saw their participation as unorthodox, even inappropriate, given the prevailing
gender norms. As a result, some women faced social criticism, and their contributions were
often underappreciated or overlooked in the years following the war.

Nevertheless, the involvement of women in the resistance gradually helped reshape public
attitudes about gender roles, contributing to the broader movement for gender equality in the
Philippines.
Key Challenges and Risks Faced by Women

Social Stigma and Risks

Women who participated in the resistance faced considerable challenges, including social
stigma. In a conservative society, women engaging in roles traditionally reserved for men were
often viewed with suspicion or disapproval. Their reputations and personal safety were
frequently at risk, as their roles exposed them to possible arrest, violence, and even death.

Legacy and Recognition

The contributions of Filipino women during the Philippine-American War were often
overshadowed by the achievements of their male counterparts. Historians like Ronaldo B.
Mactal have helped to rectify this by documenting their stories and emphasizing the significance
of their roles. Still, many of these women remain anonymous or only partially recognized in
historical records. Ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered and honored is an ongoing
challenge, one that emphasizes the need to document diverse perspectives in historical
conflicts.

Conclusion
The participation of women in the Philippine-American War reveals a rich and complex narrative
of courage, resilience, and sacrifice. These women made invaluable contributions to the war
effort, proving that patriotism knows no gender. The roles they played as spies, nurses,
couriers, and even fighters helped sustain the revolutionary movement and altered the course of
Filipino history.

Reflecting on their impact underscores the importance of documenting the roles of women in
historical conflicts. By honoring their contributions, we gain a deeper understanding of the past
and recognize the importance of including all voices in our historical narratives. The legacy of
Filipino women in the Philippine-American War serves as a testament to the strength of women
and the indomitable spirit that has characterized the Filipino people throughout history.