In 1888, a group of 20 brave women from Malolos, Bulacan participated in a peaceful movement for

educational reforms in the country. They are Elisea Tantoco Reyes, Juana Tantoco Reyes, Leoncia Santos
Reyes, Olympia San Agustin Reyes, Rufina Reyes, Eugenia Mendoza Tanchangco, Aurea Mendoza
Tanchangco, Basilia Villarino Tantoco, Teresa Tiongson Tantoco, Maria Tiongson Tantoco, Anastacia
Maclang Tiongson, Basilia Reyes Tiongson, Paz Reyes Tiongson, Aleja Reyes Tiongson, Mercedes Reyes
Tiongson, Agapita Reyes Tiongson, Filomena Oliveros Tiongson, Cecilia Oliveros Tiongson, Feliciana
Oliveros Tiongson, Alberta Santos Uitangcoy. In his letter, Rizal urged women to rise up and recognize
their role in society through his message that they must have strong moral convictions that will
empower them to stand up for their rights and refuse to submit to oppressors. He emphasizes the
transformative potential of education for women, empowering them to become active participants in
social, economic, and political spheres.

As women, it is imperative that we shatter the confines of societal norms that restrict us from accessing
fundamental rights and opportunities that should be available to every individual, irrespective of their
gender. We must strive towards creating a world where gender-based discrimination is a thing of the
past, and women are empowered to take charge of their lives and make decisions that align with their
aspirations. It is time for us to challenge the status quo and demand equal treatment in all spheres, be it
education, employment, politics or any other field. Let us stand together in solidarity and fight for our
right to live with dignity and respect.

It is important for single women to not be easily influenced by superficial qualities such as physical
appearance, as these can often be deceiving. Rather, they should focus on a man's character and values,
including his integrity and aspirations towards nobility. By placing emphasis on these qualities, women
can ensure that they are choosing a partner who will bring them happiness and fulfillment in the long
term. It is essential to recognize that looks alone do not define a person's worth or compatibility as a
partner, and that true connection comes from shared values and beliefs. Therefore, it is wise for single
women to prioritize qualities such as honesty, kindness, and ambition when searching for a potential
mate.

In contemporary times, some Filipino women are starting to neglect their responsibilities as mothers
because they feel like they need to contribute financially to their families. My mother works every day,
and upon arriving home at night, she is often exhausted and retires to bed immediately after eating. As a
child, I initially felt a sense of longing for the unique comfort that only a mother can provide. However,
with time and experience, I grew accustomed to this feeling and developed an understanding of our
family's circumstances. During her time abroad, my elder sister acted as a maternal figure and
consistently provided assistance to both myself and our brother. She was pivotal in aiding with
household tasks, and at times, while she was studying at MSU, I felt that certain responsibilities had
fallen upon me.

Throughout history, Filipino women have faced various challenges that are deeply rooted in the larger
struggles for social justice and independence. These struggles often revolve around issues such as
gender inequality, economic marginalization, political disenfranchisement, and cultural subjugation.
Despite these obstacles, Filipino women have remained resilient and determined in their pursuit of
equality and empowerment. They have fought alongside their fellow countrymen in numerous
movements for social change, including the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonialism, the
struggle against American imperialism, and the fight for democracy during martial law under the Marcos
regime. Moreover, Filipino women have also played a crucial role in advancing feminist causes both
locally and globally. Through their activism and advocacy efforts, they have challenged patriarchal norms
and systems of oppression while promoting diversity, inclusivity, and human rights. In essence, the
struggles of Filipino women are not just limited to their own experiences but are interconnected with
broader movements for social justice that seek to create a more equitable and just world for all people.