13

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF WOMEN'S STATUS AND ROLES

In the Filipino version of the creation, the first man and woman sprang
full-blown from the same cylinder of bamboo at the same time. Man was
called "Malakas" or strong and woman was called "IVIaganda" or beautiful
(Role of Women in the Philippines).

This legendary account provides a contrast from the biblical version

where woman was created from the rib of man, a description clearly denoting
woman's subordinate position.

A. Early Pre-Spanish Period

The ancient Malay tradition of equality between men and women

(Guthrie and Jacobs, 1966, p. 42) may be very succinctly reflected in
the foregoing legend.

In comparison with other women in Asia and Europe the Filipina's

unique position is said to be one of the most hiS"torically tenable
positions, backed up by chronicles of the 16th century. (The Asian,
1971).

Pilar Hidalgo-Lim, an educator, notes that among the early pre-

Spanish Filipinos, the acceptability of babies did not depend on
sex. Parents brought up boys and girls with equal care. (Valla dolid,
1975).

Tribal custom allowed young women the same freedom as

males to choose their mates. The man's family paid a bride dowry,
but this was usually compensated for by a return gift from the
girl's family. (Ibid.).

Women were entitled to inheritance, as much as their brothers were.

Before and after marriage, the Filipina retained her rights to property.
(Ibid.).

Women had an important position in the family. She was not merely
a partner in the marriage contract. In many cases, she was practically
the head of the house. She could make contracts and business
arrangements without necessarily consulting her husband. Her dowry
and property owned before marriage was hers, and she administered
them with absolute independence. (The Asian, 1971)
14 A Profile of Filipino Women

These observations were reinforced by Alzona (1934) who

stated that upon marriage, the Filipino woman was treated by the
husband as an equal. She retained her maiden name, shared his
honors, and disposed freely of the property she had brought into the
marriage. She was consulted by her husband about his affairs and
he did not ordinarily enter into contracts or agreements without her
knowledge and approval.

The Spanish chronicler, Loarca, wrote that in the 17th century,

Filipino women could have babies only when they wanted and
without having to get married. They could be granted a divorce when
necessary. (Castillo, Marie C., n.d.).

Filipinas were the equal of men not only in the home, but also in
social and political affairs. History notes that the ancient Malay male
rulers, like Panay Chief, Marikudo, consulted their wives before
making important decisions on matters of state. (AldabaLim, 1974).
Women could also succeed their husbands or fathers in the leadership
of the tribe, in the absence of a male heir. (Valladolid, 1975).
Outstanding women leaders in pre-Spanish Philippines were Queen
Sima and Princess Urduja (Aldaba-Lim, 1974).

Other positions of leadership were in religious functions.

Women were preferred as mediums in the animistic religion and
they were often designated as official priestesses. They presided
over religious ceremonies, communicated with the spirits and
cured the sick. (Kroeber, n.d.).

B. Spanish Period

Spanish colonization started in the 16th century and lasted

around three hundred years. The introduction and imposition of
Catholicism and Spanish culture brought about a slow, but signifi-
cant change in the Philippine social structures.

The Code of Roman Law, from which Spanish law was derived,
underlined man's superiority and woman's limited capacity to act.
Myths of helpless womanhood dependent on male gallantry were
propagated. Dominant female traits included passivity and piety. The
Spanish Code of Laws, according to researcher N. V. Bley, had the
effect of confining the woman inside the home. She was forbidden
the right to transact business without the legal sanction of her
husband, or even to dispose of her own paraphernal property.
 Historical Perspective 15

In fact under the Spanish Civil Code, women enjoyed no greater rights in family
and property law than minors, lunatics and idiots (Seminar on Working Women, 1976).
Even education was primarily a male prerogative. (Aldaba-Lim, 1974).

During the three centuries of Spanish colonialism, several revolu tionary

movements broke out. History cites a number of women parti cipants and leaders in the
Philippine resistance against Spain.

Gabriela Silang (1723-1763) was the first Filipino woman general, at a time
when women usually stayed at home. The wife of Diego Silang, a Filipino hero, she
led her husband's men against the Spaniards after his death. Starting out with 200
men, the membership increased in number to 2,000 as against 6,000 Spaniards (Role
of Women).

Melchora Aquino (1812-1919), better known as Tandang Sora, was a great help
in the Katipunan revolutionary movement by providing the men with food and
shelter (Role of Women).

Gregoria de Jesus (1875-1943), the wife of Katipunan founder, Andres Bonifacio,

was one of the first members to be initiated into the movement. She was the custodian
of the revolutionary documents and property. Aside from this, she also led her fellow
women into joining the Katipunan movement (Role of Women).

Trinidad Perez Tecson (1848-1928) fought in twelve battles during the revolution.
She started Red Cross work in the Philippines and organ ized groups of women to do
nursing work for the soldiers.

Other active women revolutionaries included: Teresa Magbanua, the Visayan

Joan of Arc, the first woman from Panay Island to fight for Philippine freedom;
Marina Dizon Santiago, an active member of the Katipunan; Agueda Kahaban, one of
the first women generals in the revolution. (Role of Women; "The Gutsy Dozen. . .").

The women's revolution during the Spanish regime was not limited to political
insurrections. Women also participated in peaceful movements for educational
reforms. The women of Malolos, Bulacan were celebrated by the famous letter
addressed to them by Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero. At a period when
educational priorities were reserved for men, these women organized themselves to
petition for the granting of equal educational opportunities to women. (Role of
Women; Castillo, 1976).
16 A Profile of Filipino Women

C. American Occupation

The end of the 19th century brought about an end to Spanish

rule. The Americans took over for a period of 48 years, briefly
interrupted by the Japanese takeover during World War II. During
the American occupation, social conditions supposedly underwent a
change.

The greatest achievement was in the field of education. Public

education was undertaken seriously for the first time. The American
ideals of democracy included rights for women. The emigrant
teachers, the Thomasites, encouraged the spirit of activism in their
students. Women were advocated to strive for higher education,
abandon their timidity and become full contributors to society.
Schools for women were established. Some women were elected to
board presidencies and other high positions, even before colleges
and universities in the United States offered such posts to women.
(Aldaba-Lim, 1974).

D. Some Outstanding Filipinas in History

Outstanding Filipino women were noted mainly for peaceful
educational and political reforms. In the field of education, the
following women may be cited:

Librada Avelino (1873-1934), an educator, was not convinced

that "reading, writing, and arithmetic" were enough education for
girls. She introduced the concept of girls taking an active interest
in the government. She founded the Centro Escolar de Senoritas
which emphasized the teaching of practical lessons in citizenship
("The Gutsy Dozen. . .").

Other leading female figures were mainly the founders of

educational institutions for girls. Sofia de Veyra was one of the
country's leading educators in the early lIMO's; Margarita Roxas
founded the La Concordia Girls' School; Francisca Benitez
established the Philippine Women's University. (Aldaba-Lim,
1974).
The introduction of mass media gave access to the 20th century
trends abroad, including the women's suffrage movement. Political
awareness increased mainly as a result of more educational exposures.
Women started joining groups such as the Philippine Association of
University Women, the League of Women Voters, and the
 Historical Perspective 17
National Federation of Women's Clubs. They lobbied in Congress for
the right to vote, to get themselves elected to office, to hold property
in their own name and to dispose of it freely and to receive equal pay
for equal work. (Ibid.).

As a result of these political efforts, Filipino women were

finally given the right to vote in 1937. In the first elections, 325
women were elected to public office, mostly as heads of towns or
provinces. The passage of the Paraphernal Law in 1932, allowed
the wife to dispose of her paraphernal property without her
husband's consent. (Ibid.).

Outstanding Filipino women during this period were: Fausta

Labrador, who opened a hospital for the poor and a school for poor
children. ("The Gutsy Dozen. . .").

Jacinta Zaera de Cailles was one of the country's leading

feminists. A philantropist, she organized scholarships for the poor
but bright students. She led the National League of Women in the
National Federation of Women's Clubs when Filipino women
clamored for equal rights of suffrage with men. (Ibid.).

Maria Ylagan Orosa pioneered in the fields of food, nutrition, and

home economics. She gave lectures and demonstrations in rural areas
and by 1941 had organized 537 rural improvement clubs all over the
country. (Ibid.).

From this historical account of the evolution of the status and role
of Filipino women, it is seen that various cultures had different
influences which greatly affected their conditions in society. Depending
on the needs of the time, several women became outstanding for
championing the women's cause which proves that if properly
harnessed, women can indeed make significant contributions to
development.