Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, together with Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, led the January 6 commemoration of the 203rd birth anniversary of Melchora Aquino, more popularly known as Tandang Sora, in fitting ceremonies at the heroine’s birthplace at Banlat Road in Barangay Tandang Sora.
During the occasion, Mayor Bautista conferred to CJ Sereno the Tandang Sora award that was conceived by the QC government to honor great women who embody the virtues and ideals of the Grand Old Lady of the Katipunan.
The Chief Justice is the third recipient of the award since the city government began handing it out in 2012. Past recipients of the award included educator Helena Benitez and veteran journalist Tina Monzon-Palma.
In her speech, CJ Sereno urged the public to continue preserving the ideals and good deeds espoused by Tandang Sora, especially her love for country, fellowmen and family, as well as the generosity of spirit.
“Huwag sana nating kalimutan ang matingkad na kontribusyon ni Tandang Sora sa ating kasaysayan. Marapat na maipakilala siyang muli lalo at higit sa bagong henerasyon. Sa panahong salat sa bayani ang bayan, higit na nakatutulong ang pagsariwa sa kadakilaan na ipinamalas ni Tandang Sora,” said the Chief Justice.
The QC government and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) have coordinated efforts in the preparation of this year’s commemorative rites for the birth anniversary of Tandang Sora, which was highlighted by a flag-raising ceremony and a wreath-laying activity.
Participants in the wreath-laying ceremony also included NHCP executive director Ludovico Badoy and descendants of Tandang Sora, led by Efren Figueroa, who sits as president of the Samahan ng mga Apo ni Tandang Sora. One of the eldest members of the group present during the occasion was 84-year old Pedro Eugenio.
Also present during the occasion were Congressmen Christopher “Kit” Belmonte and Francisco “Boy” Calalay Jr., acting QC Vice Mayor Anthony Peter Crisologo, members of the QC Council as well as other city, police, school and barangay officials.
Born on January 6 – Epiphany Day, in 1812, Melchora Aquino was named after one of the Three Wise Men. Despite her old age, Melchora Aquino, better known as Tandang Sora, opened her doors to Katipuneros who risked their lives during the revolution. She kept the spirit of the Katipuneros high by providing them with food, clothing and shelter. And for this, she was arrested and exiled to Guam by the Spanish colonial authorities.
Tandang Sora returned to her native land on February 26, 1903 at the age of 91. She died on March 2, 1919 at the age of 107. (Maureen Quinones)
Posted By: Edrillan Pasion
