By: Ayesha S. Apostol
Historic Sites Development Officer II
Before the arrival of colonizers, communal societies in the Philippines recognized women as equals to men in rights and privileges. They held esteemed positions as seers, priestesses, warriors, and leaders, actively shaping their communities and influencing important decisions.
However, the arrival of the Spaniards drastically altered women’s roles. Once active participants in society, they were gradually relegated to passive and subservient positions. Their rights were severely restricted, and they were expected to conform to the rigid ideals of femininity imposed during the colonial period.
Despite these limitations, when the revolution against Spanish rule erupted, Filipina patriots rose to the occasion. They shattered societal constraints, embraced their strength, and took on crucial roles in the fight for independence. From nursing the wounded and delivering messages to safeguarding vital documents, smuggling ammunition, and even taking up arms in battle, women played an indispensable part in the struggle for liberation. Among them was Agueda Kahabagan, the only woman recognized as a general in the ranks of the Filipino revolutionary forces, fearlessly leading her troops in the fight for freedom.
Henerala Agueda
Agueda Kahabagan, a native of Santa Cruz, Laguna, was a fearless revolutionary who took part in both the Philippine Revolution (1896–1898) and the Filipino-American War (1899–1902). She was already a member of the Katipunan even before Spanish authorities uncovered the secret society in August 1896.
Widely known as “Henerala Agueda,” she was remembered by the elders of San Pablo for her exceptional combat skills, fighting alongside men while dressed in white and wielding both a rifle and a bolo. Recognizing her prowess on the battlefield, General Miguel Malvar, then the commanding general of Batangas’ departmental forces, appointed her in May 1897 to lead a detachment under Brigadier General Severino Taiño.
Postage stamp of Agueda Kahabagan issued in 1998 retrieved from: https://topicalphilippines.com/Independence/National_Centenial_Commision.html
Battle of San Pablo
Henerala Agueda was one of Laguna’s most formidable revolutionaries. Among the battles that cemented her reputation was the Battle of San Pablo in October 1897, where Filipino forces successfully captured a Spanish garrison. Revolutionaries considered the town a vital stronghold, as it served as a strategic junction connecting Alaminos, Sariaya, Lipa, Calauan, and Nagcarlan, facilitating communication and coordination among rebel groups.
Following orders from Mariano Trias, the revolutionaries launched an assault on the town, surrounding it from multiple points. Henerala Agueda led the troops securing the zone between San Pablo and Calauan, while General Miguel Malvar and other forces positioned themselves to block enemy reinforcements. General Artemio Ricarte was tasked with spearheading the attack. However, upon learning of the planned assault, Spanish forces swiftly advanced toward Agueda’s position. Her troops bore the brunt of intense combat, engaging in a grueling battle that lasted for hours and stretched over three days.
Despite managing to infiltrate most of the town, the revolutionaries struggled to capture the convent and the tribunal. Ultimately, they were forced to retreat when Spanish reinforcements arrived, overwhelming their forces.
Henerala in the American Period
Based on General Pio del Pilar’s recommendation, Agueda Kahabagan was appointed as a general in 1899, making her the only woman to hold such a rank in the Filipino Republic Army.
Unsigned List of Generals of the Army of the Republic of the Philippines from the the Philippine Insurrection against the United States a Compilation of Documents with Notes and Introduction Vol. 3 by John R.M. Taylor
In November 1899, General Emilio Aguinaldo shifted to guerrilla warfare, forcing Filipino revolutionaries to retreat into the mountains. American forces seized key towns in Laguna, including San Pablo and Santa Cruz, while coastal towns suffered heavy bombardment, resulting in significant civilian casualties.
Despite the brutal conditions, Henerala Agueda remained steadfast in her resistance. Stationed in Morong (now Rizal province), she continued the fight. In a letter to General Juan Cailles, then leader of the revolutionary government in Laguna, she described the dire situation of the revolutionaries in Morong, highlighting the lack of local support for their cause. She requested authorization to form a new fighting force in the town, unaware that just weeks later, Cailles would surrender to the Americans.
In January 1902, Agueda Kahabagan was captured by American forces, marking the end of her active participation in the revolution.
Recognizing the Henerala
Statue and historical marker of Agueda Kahabagan in Sta. Cruz, Laguna retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agueda_Kahabagan#/media/File:Agueda_Kahabagan.jpg
In honor of her bravery, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines unveiled a historical marker for Agueda Kahabagan in Sta. Cruz, Laguna on 14 March 2016. This marker stands as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the only Filipina general in Philippine history.
Agueda Kahabagan embodied the strength and resilience of women at a time when the nation was under foreign oppression. She was among the many Filipinas who took up arms, risking their lives in the fight for freedom and justice.
Today, inspired by trailblazers like Henerala Agueda, women continue to break barriers, assert their rightful place in society, and contribute to nation-building as leaders, warriors, and change-makers.
References:
Alvero-Boncocan, R. and Diestro D., Nineteenth Century Conditions and the Revolution in the Province of Laguna, U.P. Center for Integrative and Development Studies, Diliman, Quezon City. 2002. pp 96-97, 139-141.
Filipinos in History, Volume 5, National Historical Commission, 1996, p.197.
John R.M. Taylor, Philippine Insurgent Records Vol 3, Eugenio Lopez Foundation, Manila, p.464-465.
Memoirs of Artemio Ricarte, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, 2021, p 63 and 67.
Agueda Kahabagan Y Iniquinto by Bernardita Reyes Churchill published in Women in the Philippine Revolution by Rafaelita Hilario Soriano, Printon Press ,1995, p. 66.
Diaz, J., Kababaiyan KABABAIHAN para sa KALAYAAN: Filipino Women in the Struggle for Freedom, Socio-Pastoral Instituite, Manila, 1997.
NHCP Unveils the “Agueda Kahabagan” histporical marker retrieved from https://nhcp.gov.ph/nhcp-unveils-agueda-kahabagan-historical-marker/
Vergara, P., Agueda Kahabagan was our first woman general. But do you know her?, retrieved from https://www.scoutmag.ph/44803/first-woman-general-agueda-kahabagan/