Melchora Aquino de Ramos Filipino Revolutionary Date of Birth: 06.01.1812 Country: Philippines

1. Melchora Aquino: The Mother of the Philippine Revolution
2. Humble Beginnings
3. Embracing the Revolution
4. Mother of the Katipunan
5. Imprisonment and Exile
6. Return and Legacy

Melchora Aquino: The Mother of the Philippine Revolution

Melchora Aquino, a Filipina revolutionary, played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution, earning her the title of "Grand Woman of the Revolution" and making her a national hero.

Humble Beginnings

Born into a peasant family, Aquino never received a formal education but learned to read and write. She raised seven children, one of whom was a member of the Katipunan, a secret Filipino patriotic organization.

Embracing the Revolution

When the Philippine Revolution erupted in her province in 1896, Aquino joined the revolutionary forces. She established a makeshift camp that became a shelter for wounded and sick revolutionaries. She provided medical aid, nourishment, and moral support to the fighters.

Mother of the Katipunan

Aquino's home became a sanctuary for secret Katipunan meetings, earning her the title "Mother of the Katipunan." Her unwavering support for the revolution caught the attention of Spanish authorities.

Imprisonment and Exile

In April 1896, Aquino was arrested and imprisoned in Manila, despite her advanced age of 84. She endured harsh interrogations but refused to deny her involvement in the revolution. Her attempted escape was thwarted, leading to further interrogation. Eventually, Spanish authorities exiled Aquino to the Marianas Islands.

Return and Legacy

In 1898, the United States gained control over the Philippines under the Treaty of Paris. Aquino returned to her homeland in 1903. She lived to the age of 107, passing away on March 2, 1919. Aquino is buried at the Himlayang Pilipino Cemetery in Quezon City, where her memory lives on as a symbol of Filipino courage and resilience.