Women of Malolos

Ang Kababaihan ng Malolos

Mercedes Tiongson

(1866–1931)

Along with Alberta Uitangcoy (1865–1953) and Basilia Tantoco (1865–1925), led the women of Malolos in petitioning Governor-General Valeriano Weyler for permission to open a school where they could study Spanish. (caption revised according to Dr. Tiongson's suggestions, 09/27)

The Spanish Royal Decree 1863 aimed to address education issues in the Philippines. While it mandated the creation of separate primary schools for boys and girls, the education system still favored boys and men. 

Girls' school in Manila

Boys were encouraged to take a wide range of courses, such as natural and social science, while girls received only primary education and were required to take sewing lessons instead. This system conditioned girls to believe their primary roles were as mothers and wives. They were denied equal access to learning Spanish, as friars branded those learning Spanish as filibusterers or enemies of Spain.

Women of Malolos

The Women of Malolos, a group of 20 women from Malolos, Bulacan, participated in a peaceful movement for educational reforms in the country.

Twenty women in Malolos refused to tolerate this discriminatory treatment. They demanded better education and teaching of Spanish to women. They petitioned Governor-General Valeriano Weyler to open a night school to learn the Castilian language, which operated from February to May 1889. The early closure of the school was due to subversion charges against Teodoro Sandico, their previous teacher who helped write the petition.

Twenty Women of Malolos

The names of the twenty women of Malolos who signed the letter to Governor-General Valerio Weyler, requesting to open a night school to learn the Castillan language

Elisea T. Reyes (1873-1969)

Juana T. Reyes (1874-1900)

Leoncia S. Reyes (1864-1948)

Olympia S. A. Reyes (1876-1910)

Rufina T. Reyes (1869-1909)

Eugenia M. Tanchangco (1871-1969)

Aurea M. Tanchangco (1872-1958)

Basilia V. Tantoco (1865-1925)

Teresa T. Tantoco (1867-1942)

Maria T. Tantoco (1869-1912)

Anastacia M. Tiongson (1874-1940)

Basilia R. Tiongson (ca. 1860-ca. 1900)

Paz R. Tiongson (ca. 1862-1889)

Aleja R. Tiongson (ca. 1865-ca. 1900)

Mercedes R. Tiongson (1869-1928)

Agapita R. Tiongson (1870-1937)

Filomena O. Tiongson (ca. 1865-1930)

Cecilia O. Tiongson (ca. 1867-1934)

Feliciana O. Tiongson (1869-1938)

Alberta S. Uitangcoy (1865-1953)

From the book “Twenty Women of Malolos” by Nicanor G. Tiongson

The women's courageous actions gained international attention and praise. In honor of them, Jose Rizal wrote the famous letter “To the Young Women of Malolos.” When the revolution erupted, the women remained steadfast and contributed actively, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to meaningful change.

References

• Tiongson, N.G. (2004). The Women of Malolos. Ateneo de Manila University.