Research in English

By: Nino Ronie Baloyo

Grade: 7-Emerald

An individual I consider a hero is Gabriela Silang

María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang, also known as Gabriela Silang, is best known as the
female leader of the Ilocano independence movement from Spain and was a Filipino military
leader. Her legacy carries on the inspiration of bravery to all Filipinos (Wikipedia, 2022).

Before she was captured and executed by the colonial government of the Captaincy General of
the Philippines, she led her people for four months since she took over from her second
husband: Diego Silang, after his assassination in 1763 (Wikipedia, 2022).

After Diego was assassinated, Gabriela promised to avenge his death and continue the struggle.
She was in great misery but had no time to lose. The rebels fell in despair after the death of
their leader. None of the men stepped up to be the new face of the rebellion. So, Gabriela did
something very courageous and took her husband’s place as the leader. She heavily armed
herself and told the people that the struggle was far from over. She soon got more followers.
Gabriela began to help people living in other cities. The people: began to call her “Henerala”
which meant woman general and were gratified that Diego’s fighting spirit went on with
Gabriela (Mansalay, 2015).
Sources:
Wikipedia contributors. (2022, September 6).
Gabriela Silang. In Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia.

Mansalay, M. (2015, June 19). Gabriela Silang.

Bayani Art.