Quezon City: Starting Jan. 6, 2026, the nation will annually observe Tandang Sora Day, a celebration not only of the life of revolutionary heroine Melchora Aquino, but also of the often-overlooked contributions of Filipino women to nation-building. The recognition comes with the signing of Republic Act 12218, or the 'Tandang Sora Day" by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last June 2, which declares Aquino's birth anniversary as a special working holiday in Quezon City to honor her indispensable role in the country's fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, the home to the iconic figure of Philippine revolution, welcomed the new law with deep gratitude and pride. 'Ito'y napakalaking pagkilala kay Melchora Aquino at sa kanyang mahalagang papel noong panahon ng Katipunan at sa kasaysayan ng ating mahal na lungsod (This is a great recognition of Melchora Aquino and her important role during the Katipunan era and in the history of our beloved city),' she said in a media release on Wednesday.
Aquino, who became more popularly known as "Tandang Sora", was born on Jan. 6, 1812, in Banlat, Caloocan, which is now part of Quezon City. After becoming a widow, she raised her children as a single mother while living a humble life.
Though she never learned to read or write, she was known in her community for her wisdom, strength, and compassion, which would become her most revolutionary act. 'Bilang bayani na isinilang at lumaki sa Lungsod Quezon, sinasagisag ni Tandang Sora ang katatagan, kabayanihan, at malasakit sa kapwa sa kanyang pagkupkop at pagkalinga sa mga Katipunero, sa kabila ng banta sa kanyang buhay (As a heroine born and raised in Quezon City, Tandang Sora symbolizes resilience, heroism, and compassion for others in her embrace and care for the Katipuneros, despite threats to her life),' Belmonte said.
During the Spanish rule, while she was already in her 80s, Aquino opened her home to wounded and weary "Katipuneros", who were members of the secret revolutionary movement fighting for freedom. She cooked them meals, tended to their injuries, and offered them a place to rest, all while risking arrest and execution. She became known as the "Mother of the Katipunan", not because she wielded weapons, but because she embodied the revolutionary values of selflessness, solidarity, and service.
'Si Tandang Sora ay tumatayo rin bilang matibay na simbolo ng women empowerment dahil sa kanyang mahalagang papel sa pagtataguyod ng kalayaan at katarungan para sa ating bayan (Tandang Sora also stands as a strong symbol of women empowerment because of her important role in promoting freedom and justice for our people),' Belmonte added.
Celebrating Tandang Sora Day will serve not just as a historical remembrance but as a call to modern reflection. Belmonte said the special day also honors every Filipino woman who has ever fought, quietly or boldly, for her family, her community, and her country. She added that the occasion is a reminder for all women to continue breaking barriers and embracing leadership in every sector of society.
'Ang paggunita sa 'Tandang Sora Day' ay magsisilbi ring paalala at inspirasyon sa bawat QCitizen at bawat Filipino na panatilihing buhay ang alaala at diwa ng kabayanihan ni Tandang Sora sa kanilang pang araw-araw na pamumuhay sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakita ng malasakit, pagkakaisa, at pagtindig para sa tama (The commemoration of 'Tandang Sora Day' will also serve as a reminder and inspiration to every QCitizen and every Filipino to keep the memory and spirit of Tandang Sora's heroism alive in their daily lives by showing concern, unity, and standing up for what is right),' the mayor said.
