Join the Igorot community on Igorotage and share your culture, heritage, and stories with the world. It's free, so what are you waiting for?

Gabriela Silang: Igorot Warrior, National Heroine

Gabriela Silang was an Igorot military leader who is best known for her role as the female leader of the Ilocano independence movement from Spain.

Lakay avatar

Sep 20, 2016  |  5 min read

gabriela silang biography english

María Josefa Gabriela Cariño Silang was a Filipino military leader who is best known for her role as the female leader of the Ilocano independence movement from Spain. She was born in Barangay Caniogan, Santa, Ilocos Sur to a Spanish Ilocano father named Anselmo Cariño and a Tinguian mother.

Gabriela Silang was born in 1731 in Barangay Caniogan, Santa, Ilocos Sur. Her father, Anselmo Cariño, was a Spanish Ilocano, and her mother, Dominga de los Santos, was a Tinguian. Gabriela received a Catholic upbringing and attended a convent school. She was a bright and intelligent young woman, and she quickly learned the Spanish language and the Catholic faith. However, she also learned about the Ilocano people's history of resistance to Spanish rule.

Igorot Ancestry

Gabriela Silang was raised in a Tinguian community, and she identified as Igorot. She spoke the Tinguian language and was familiar with Tinguian culture.

The Tinguians are one of the many indigenous peoples of the Philippines. They are known for their strong sense of community and their fierce independence. Gabriela Silang's Tinguian ancestry played a significant role in her life and her legacy.

Her mother's Tinguian culture instilled in her a strong sense of duty to her people and her country. She was also taught the importance of fighting for what is right, even in the face of great odds. These values helped her to become a skilled military commander and a powerful leader.

Gabriela Silang's Igorot ancestry also gave her a deep understanding of the Ilocano people. She was able to connect with them on a personal level and to inspire them to fight for their freedom. This was essential to the success of the Ilocano independence movement.

Marriage and Leadership

In 1757, Gabriela Silang married Diego Silang, a revolutionary leader who was fighting against Spanish rule. Diego Silang was a charismatic leader who was able to rally the Ilocano people to the cause of independence. Gabriela Silang was a strong supporter of her husband's cause, and she often accompanied him on his military campaigns.

After Diego Silang's assassination in 1763, Gabriela Silang took over his leadership and continued the fight for independence. She was a skilled military commander and a powerful leader. She was able to inspire the Ilocano people to continue fighting for their freedom, even after her husband's death. She was also a gifted orator, and she was able to rally the Ilocano people to her cause.

One of Gabriela Silang's most notable leadership qualities was her ability to connect with the Ilocano people on a personal level. She was able to understand their needs and their concerns, and she was able to articulate their hopes and aspirations. This made her a powerful and effective leader, and it helped her to build a strong following among the Ilocano people.

Gabriela Silang was also a skilled military commander. She was able to lead her troops to several victories against the Spanish, and she was able to keep the Ilocano independence movement alive for several months after her husband's death. She was a brilliant strategist, and she was able to use her knowledge of the Ilocano terrain to her advantage. She was also a fearless leader, and she was not afraid to put herself in danger in order to lead her troops to victory.

Gabriela Silang's leadership was essential to the success of the Ilocano independence movement. She was a skilled military commander, a gifted orator, and a powerful leader. She was able to inspire the Ilocano people to continue fighting for their freedom, and she helped to keep the Ilocano independence movement alive for several months after her husband's death. She is a true heroine of the Philippines, and her legacy continues to inspire people all over the world.

Capture and Execution

Gabriela Silang was eventually captured and executed by the Spanish in 1763. She was only 32 years old at the time of her death.

After her husband's assassination, Silang continued to lead the Ilocano independence movement. She was a skilled military commander and led her troops to several victories against the Spanish. However, the Spanish were a powerful military force, and they eventually captured Silang.

Gabriela and her men were executed by hanging on September 20, 1763.

Silang's capture and execution was a major blow to the Ilocano independence movement. However, her legacy lives on as a symbol of resistance and freedom. She is a national heroine of the Philippines, and her name is often invoked by those who are fighting for justice and equality.

Here are some specific details about her capture and execution:

  • She was captured in Abra, where she had been hiding with her troops. The Spanish forces were led by Simón de Anda y Salazar, who was the new governor-general of the Philippines.
  • She was executed by hanging in Vigan's central plaza. Her execution was a public event, and it was intended to send a message to the Ilocano people that the Spanish would not tolerate any further resistance.
  • Her body was displayed in public for several days as a warning to others who might consider opposing Spanish rule. Her death was a major blow to the Ilocano independence movement, but it did not stop the fighting. The Ilocano people continued to resist Spanish rule for many years after Silang's death.

Gabriela Silang's capture and execution was a tragic event, but it also showed the strength and determination of the Ilocano people. She is a national heroine of the Philippines, and her legacy continues to inspire people all over the world.

Gabriela Silang is a symbol of the Philippines' rich and varied heritage. She is a reminder that the country has been shaped by many different cultures, and that these cultures have all contributed to the Philippines' unique identity. She is an inspiration to all who believe in the power of freedom and the importance of fighting for what is right.

Here are some of the ways in which Gabriela Silang's legacy is remembered and honored:

  • She is a national heroine of the Philippines. Her image appears on the 50-peso bill, and there are several statues of her in the Philippines.
  • The Gabriela Silang Women's Party is named after her. The party is a feminist political party that advocates for women's rights and equality.
  • There is a Gabriela Silang Day in the Philippines. It is celebrated on September 20, the anniversary of her death.

Gabriela Silang's legacy is a reminder that even in the face of great odds, it is possible to achieve great things. She was a woman of courage and determination, and she will never be forgotten.

Lakay avatar

Proud Igorot.

Sharing is caring, kailian!

We do hope you find something great in this story. If you find this helpful, please do share it with the people you care about.

Igorotage is a platform for people to share their thoughts and ideas. The views expressed on Igorotage are the opinions of the individual users, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Igorotage.

Sign in to share your thoughts. No account yet?

What to learn next?

You might also like to read more related articles filed under Heroes — or jump to a random article!

Heroes Surprise me

The Kankana-ey People of the Cordilleras

Uncover the vibrant culture, enduring traditions, and profound heritage of the Kankana-ey people of the Cordilleras.

gabriela silang biography english

Baguio City Police Officers Help Stranded Motorcycle Rider in the Night

Baguio City Police officers help stranded motorcycle rider in the night. A heartwarming story about kindness and generosity.

gabriela silang biography english

Why Your BENECO Bills Skyrocketed

Member-consumers of the Benguet Electric Cooperative said Beneco has informed them that they have to pay more this year.

gabriela silang biography english

Igorot Marine Corporal Gener Tinangag's Heroic Sacrifice

Corporal Gener Tinangag, an Igorot Marine from Barlig, Mountain Province, was posthumously awarded the Medal for Valor.

Rob avatar

Kalinga General graces Salute to PMA Masaligan Class 2021

Kalinga Police Brigadier General Steve Ludan, PMAAAI President, graces the Salute to the PMA Masaligan Class of 2021.

gabriela silang biography english

Joshua Pacio among Top Ten Best Pound-for-pound MMA Athletes in the World

Joshua "The Passion" Pacio is among the top ten best pound-for-pound mixed martial arts athletes in the world today by a sports magazine.

gabriela silang biography english

Magdalena Leones: Only Asian Female and Filipina to Receive the Silver Star Medal

Magdalena Leones, from Lubuagan, Kalinga, the only Asian female and Filipina to receive the Silver Star Medal from the US for her WW2 heroism.

Brando avatar

Kalinga Farmer's Son Ranks 6th in PMA Masidlawin Class

A farmer's son from Kalinga ranks 6th in the Philippine Military Academy "Masidlawin" Class 2020. Two other Cordillerans also ranked 4th and 5th.

gabriela silang biography english

Baguio cited as ASEAN Clean Tourist City Awardee Twice

The City of Baguio won the "ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award" twice after passing all seven key standards set by the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard.

gabriela silang biography english

Herbert D. Dilag: Uncommon True Valor Story of an Igorot Scout Ranger

Herbert D. Dilag, an Igorot Scout Ranger, was awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest award in the Armed Forces of the Philippines for his bravery.

Proud Igorot?

Imagine an online community where Igorot from all corners of the world come together to connect, share stories, and celebrate the rich tapestry of Igorot culture. That's precisely what Igorotage offers.

Join us now to be a part of this vibrant digital tapestry and contribute your unique thread to the story of the Igorot people.

Join Igorotage About us

JavaScript blocked!

Please allow JavaScript to run on this page.

From Pretty Little Liars to May December: Grooming in Media

Empowering BIPoC To Shape The World We Live In

Phenomenal Woman: Gabriela Silang

gabriela silang biography english

María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang, Anti-Colonial Revolutionary Leader:

gabriela silang biography english

Born on March 19, 1731, in Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, Gabriela Silang would grow up to become the first woman to lead the Ilocano Movement for independence from Spain.

After the death of her first husband, she met future insurgent leader Diego Silan, they married in 1757, and became his closest advisor.

During the Seven Years’ War (1756 and 1763), when the British began their occupation of the Philippines, Diego sought their assistance to overthrow the Spanish and was assassinated on May 28, 1763.

Following Diego’s death, Gabriela took over as the commander of the rebel troops and was given the title of ‘Priestess’ by her community and followers. She laid siege to the Spanish occupied city of Vignan and was forced to retreat where she was unfortunately captured and executed by the colonizers.

Share this:

Leave a reply cancel reply.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover more from Off Colour

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Young Pilipinas Logos.png

  • Sep 1, 2023

Inspiring Women: Emulating Gabriela Silang's Trailblazing Spirit

Gabriela Silang

Gabriela Silang's name stands among the distinguished Philippine heroines, a shining beacon of inspiration for young Filipinas. Her legacy offers a potent blueprint for empowerment, leadership, and courage, especially for young women navigating a world of challenges. As we dig into the remarkable journey of this strong heroine from Ilocos Sur, we uncover invaluable lessons and sources of inspiration that can propel Filipinas to create a resounding positive impact.

1. Fearless leadership and advocacy

In the rugged landscapes of the Ilocos region, Gabriela Silang's journey was ignited by an unwavering love for our country. With unmatched dedication, she immersed herself in the fight against the oppressive colonizers, becoming a beacon of hope for her people. Despite the confines of a society where leadership was traditionally reserved for men, she fearlessly assumed the role of a leader, challenging gender norms that sought to limit her potential. Her advocacy was more than a quest for freedom – it was a resounding statement that equality knows no boundaries.

2. Gabriela Silang empowers other Filipinas

Regardless of classification in 1700s, women have limited participation and contribution in the society. Despite this limitation, the Joan of Arc of Ilocandia assumed leadership and inspired other women to fight the colonizers as well as society's gender stereotypes in her time.

3. Persistence, Courage, and Resilience

Despite betrayals which led to the death of her husband Diego Silang, multiple setbacks and dangers, our bolo-yielding heroine persisted in her fight for our freedom. Her courage and resilience remind modern Filipinas to confront challenges head-on, knowing that persistence is key to achieving their goals, even in the face of adversity.

4. Bridging Historical Struggles and Modern Advocacy

Gabriela Silang's legacy seamlessly connects past challenges with today's concerns, serving as an inspiration for modern and young Filipinas. By echoing her advocacy for marginalized communities in Ilocandia, today's women can amplify the voices of the unheard, drawing strength from their roots to drive positive change across generations. Born into privilege, Gabriela defied comfort after her first husband's death, marrying revolutionary Diego Silang and becoming a resounding voice for equality, freedom, and the marginalized, embodying the spirit of a true Pinay heroine.

5. Legacy of Empowerment and Positive Impact

Her enduring legacy stands as a testament to the influence one individual can have on an entire nation. Modern Filipinas can embrace her legacy to effect positive change in their communities and beyond, creating a lasting impact that echoes her commitment to justice and empowerment.

In a nation that still hungers for positive change, Gabriela Silang's legacy serves as a guiding star for inspiring women, illuminating the path towards empowerment, equality, and positive transformation.

  • Young Pilipinas Listicles

Related Posts

Financial Lessons from Filipino Mothers: 5 Essential Tips for Young Professionals

A Young Professional's Guide: 5 Financial Disaster Traps to Avoid

5 Reasons Why Labor Day in the Philippines is More Than Just a Day Off

Splenda Square Ads.jpg

My Balitz

Latest Stories

gabriela silang biography english

Unlocking Holiday Cheer and Cash: Online Side Hustles Using Social Media

gabriela silang biography english

Google Launches AR Beauty Ads: Try On Makeup Anytime, Anywhere! Get ready for a beauty revolution!

gabriela silang biography english

Google’s New Ad Formats for Generative AI-Powered Search Experience: What You Need to Know

gabriela silang biography english

An Expert Cheat Sheet for Glossy Hair: Tips and Tricks for Shiny Locks

Social connect, culture , history, gabriela silang: ilocana heroine 0 7321.

' src=

What we call “history” is the carefully constructed story of a people or nation through the ages. Each name and event in the textbooks are chosen to shed light on the becoming of a nation. The causes and persons that do not fit the desired narrative are glossed over or repurposed. If ever they are mentioned, they are often tacked on as afterthought, or additional information. But while some heroes may not have fit the mold of the desired narrative of the history of their people, their stories do serve a purpose. One such hero is Gabriela Silang. 

The woman whom history would later herald as henerala (woman-general), the Great Ilocano Heroine, was of plebian heritage. Maria Josefa Gabriela Carino, who would later be known simply as Gabriela Silang, was born on March 19, 1731 in Santa, Ilocos Sur. She was born to an Ilocano peasant father, and an Itneg mother. The Itneg were a pagan ethnolinguistic group dwelling in the Cordillera mountain ranges that dominate most of northern Luzon. 

At the time Gabriela was born, the town of Santa and the rest of the Ilocos region had been under Spanish rule for at least 200 years. The town was a suburb of Vigan, the principal maritime town of northern Philippines, and both Vigan and Santa were colonial outposts at the mouth of the Abra River. This river was, in turn, the gateway to the Cordilleras. The Cordilleras are the highland mountain ranges that were home to tribes that remained pagan despite the steadfast conversion of the lowlands to Spanish Catholicism. 

The cross-cultural marriage of Gabriela’s parents compounded the discrimination that the illustrado class exhibited towards the indios who were mostly peasant farmers, and the pagan highlanders. The illustrado made up the principalia, the class of native elites who worked for the Spaniards as administrators and tax collectors, and who wielded incredible power that was often abused. 

Gabriela escaped the assassination attempt. But fearing retaliation, the alcalde mayor of Cagayan initiated a pursuit of the remaining rebels. Rallying troops, Gabriela withdrew to her mother’s town in Pidigan, Abra, in search for support among the local warriors. 

The comun, or annual tribute, was a heavy tax burden imposed on farmers. And the principalia did not hesitate to collect taxes over and above that which was decreed by the Spaniards. The system of colonial governance and society with a wealthy and influential principalia class ensured that the indio would always be underfoot, subservient. The subjugation of the indios had as much to do with their ethnicity as well as their economic situation. 

Perhaps it was the maltreatments and disadvantages suffered by the indios that spurred Gabriela’s father to engage her to a rich man. She was married when she was twenty years old, but her husband died shortly after. Now a reasonably wealthy widow, she attracted many suitors. She took for her second husband an educated man from Vigan named Diego Silang. He, unlike her, was of the principalia. But unlike many in his class, Diego opposed the many unscrupulous practices of his class, particularly, of the alcalde mayor, Antonio Zabala. 

In the middle of the short marriage of Gabriela Silang to Diego Silang, the Seven Years’ War began in Europe. Spain allied with France against Britain. And the repercussions of the war in Europe reached even the Philippines. In 1762, British warships sailed from Indian ports to oust the Spaniards from their outpost in Manila. 

The British takeover of Manila itself, the seat of the colonial government, was quickly ended, but elsewhere across the archipelago, the Spaniards continued to resist British incursions into their colony. With their armies and resources taken up by the war in Europe, the British employed a different tactic in the Philippines. The East India Company Provisional Government of May 1763 drew up a manifesto. The manifesto guaranteed colonized natives of the Philippines rights that the Spanish colonial government had deprived them. The British baited the residents of the Philippines with promises of equal treatment, possession of their properties, freedom to practice religion, and freedom from all taxes and oppression. 

It was likely a pretty lie. If the Seven Years’ War had taken a different turn, the Philippines might have become a British colony, and eventually it would have become part of the British commonwealth. But the economic situation for peasant farmers and indios would have been the same across the archipelago under the British crown as it was under the Spanish crown. 

Regardless, many were tempted by the promise of a greater form of independence from what they had previously known. Among them was Gabriela’s second husband, Diego who threw in his lot with the British. Together with Gabriela, he organized an armed force which defeated the Spaniards at the town of Cabugao. Soon after this, the Spaniards were removed from Vigan. 

On December 14, 1763, Diego proclaimed the independence of the Ilocos region, and established a government of the people. To this, Governor Dawsonne Drake titled Diego as Don Diego Silang, and sanctioned him as the rightful head of the Ilocos government. 

The changes the Silang’s instituted overturned the practices that allowed the principalia to enrich themselves at the expense of their poorer countrymen. The feudal practice of corvee , or unpaid labor, and the paying of tribute were removed. Instead, the principales were required to pay for the maintenance and upkeep of their government. The principales were allowed their normal lives, in exchange for their non-aggression. 

Gabriela collaborated with her husband, she was his closest ally and confidant as they incited rebellion. Together set out to overturn the social pyramid. Their efforts began among the townsfolk, but they had hoped to reach the inlands and uplands. All this was done despite the fact that Gabriela, through her marriage to Diego, was now firmly a member of the principalia herself. 

Of course, the church functionaries and elites were not pleased with these changes. Ilocos was an important region in the north, and Vigan a most important port. Bishop Bernardo Ustariz proclaimed himself provincial head, and excommunicated Diego Silang in the latter part of May 1973. Furthermore, he hired Miguel Vicos and Pedro Becbec to assassinate not only Diego but also Gabriela. 

The attempt was only half-finished. Diego was shot. Convinced that the shot had not killed him, several elites of the town of Santa stabbed the corpse. Becbec was rewarded for his efforts with the title and responsibilities of justicia mayor of Abra. 

Gabriela organized a force that launched a surprise attack against Becbec and his forces in Santa. They fled. Gabriela then turned her forces to Cabugao, where she established a fortress for the revolutionary army. 

She was successful for a time, until the Spaniards organized a force some 6,000 strong for a counterattack. On the 11 th of July, 1763, the Spaniards retook Vigan. Recognizing the importance of the town, Gabriela launched her own attack. She was unsuccessful. Arrows, and bullets, and cannons came at her army of 2,000 warriors. Terrified, those who survived retreated back to their camp in Abra. 

A small force led by Manuel Arza y Urrutia followed in pursuit. He offered rewards to the tribes of the Cordilleras for information on Gabriela’s camp. Before long, Gabriela and her followers were captured. 

Ninety or so of loyal silanistas, Silang loyalists, were hanged along the Ilocos Sur coastline. Hundreds more of suspected followers were flogged and tortured. And Gabriela was made to watch it all before she herself was executed on September 20, 1763. 

It is not a surprise that Gabriela Silang’s story is untold for it is a story rooted in class oppression as much as it is rooted in colonial oppression. Most people even in the Philippines would only know that Gabriela Silang was the wife of Diego Silang—a gross underestimation of not only her efforts but the efforts of all the little rebellions that occurred before the one at the end of the 19 th century.

The rebellion of Diego and of Gabriela Silang is not so well known to people because their rebellion, along with other rebellions against the Spanish colonial government was a local rebellion—the Silang rebellion only comprehended the province of Ilocos Sur. They revolted not only against the Spanish colonial overlords but also against the local principalia class of Filipinos. 

gabriela silang biography english

While story of Gabriela Silang does not fit into the smoothly linear progression of events that history requires many students to learn, it does teach a lesson. Three hundred years of colonial rule had hammered the indio into submission, had taught them that their place was below all even within their own homeland. Silang’s rebellion may not have been the grand climax of the tale, but it was a chapter that proved a point. It was possible to rebel. The Filipino was capable of fighting, rebelling, of governing themselves.  

Sources: 

Ancheta, Herminia M., and Michaela Gonzales. Filipino Women in Nation Building. Quezon City: Phoenix, 1984, pp. 248-249. 

Pagador, Flaviano R. “Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang, the Great Ilocano Heroine,” in Ilocos Review. Vol. 2, no. 2, 1970. 

Routledge, David. Diego Silang and the Origins of Philippine Nationalism. Quezon City: Philippine Center for Advanced Studies, 1979. 

“Silang, Gabriela (1731-1763).” Women in World History: A Biographical Encyclopedia. Retrieved: May 06, 2021. 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Most Popular Right Now

Unlocking holiday cheer and cash: online side hustles using social media 586, is lapu-lapu the first hero of the philippines 18857, how the philippine-american war led to the invention of the colt .45 handgun 15406, emilio aguinaldo: hero or traitor 13731, andres bonifacio—who is he and why is he the unwanted national hero 10910, tinikling: a dance of identity 9533, sponsored stories, most viewed.

gabriela silang biography english

Crispy Air Fryer Lechon Kawali 01:23 1141

gabriela silang biography english

Ube Turon 01:40 1029

gabriela silang biography english

Harana – The Search for the Lost Art of Serenade 01:43:00 988

gabriela silang biography english

Pancit Bihon with Crispy Pork 02:59 970

gabriela silang biography english

Juicy Pork Adobo Recipe 03:11 878

  • Español NEW

Gabriela Silang facts for kids

María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang ( Tagalog pronunciation:  [silaŋ] ; 19 March 1731 – 20 September 1763) was a Filipino military leader best known for her role as the female leader of the Ilocano independence movement from Spain . She took over from her second husband Diego Silang after his assassination in 1763, leading her people for four months before she was captured and executed by the colonial government of the Captaincy General of the Philippines .

Relationship with her spouse, Diego Silang

Revolutionary leadership in abra, assault on vigan and execution, descendants.

Gabriela Silang was born in Barangay Caniogan, Santa, Ilocos Sur to a Spanish Ilocano father named Anselmo Cariño, a trader who ferried his wares from Vigan to Abra along the Abra River and a descendant of Ignacio Cariño, the first Galician from Spain to arrive in Candon, Ilocos Sur in the late 17th century. Her mother was a Tinguian who was from a Tinguian barrio in San Quintin, Abra (now Pidigan).

She received a Catholic upbringing from the town's parish priest , and attained elementary level education at the town's convent school. After being separated from her parents early in her childhood, she was raised by a priest, who eventually arranged a marriage between her and the wealthy businessman. They married in 1751, and he died three years later.

Revolutionary involvement

After being widowed by her first husband, Gabriela met future insurgent leader Diego Silang and married him in 1757.

In 1762, as part of what would later be known as the Seven Years' War , the Kingdom of Great Britain declared war on Spain, and captured Manila , resulting in the British occupying the city and nearby Cavite. After the capture of Manila, an emboldened Diego sought to initiate an armed struggle to overthrow Spanish functionaries in Ilocos and replace them with native-born officials. He joined forces with the British, who appointed him governor of Ilocos on their behalf. During this revolt, Gabriela became one of Diego's closest advisors and his unofficial aide-de-camp during skirmishes with Spanish troops. She was also a major figure in her husband's co-operation with the British.

Spanish authorities retaliated by offering a reward for Diego’s assassination. Consequently, his two former allies, Miguel Vicos and Pedro Becbec, killed him in Vigan on May 28, 1763.

After Diego's assassination, Gabriela fled to Tayum, Abra to seek refuge in the house of her paternal uncle, Nicolás Cariño. There, she appointed her first two generals, Miguel Flores and Tagabuen Infiel. She later assumed her husband's role as commander of the rebel troops and achieved a "priestess" status amongst her community and followers. Her popular image as the bolo-wielding La Generala on horseback stems from this period.

On September 10, 1763, Silang attempted to besiege Vigan but the Spanish retaliated, forcing her into hiding. She retreated once more to Abra , where the Spanish later captured her. On September 20, 1763, Silang and her troops were executed by hanging in Vigan's central plaza.

She is remembered as the “ Joan of Arc of Ilocandia ” The Order of Gabriela Silang is the sole third class national decoration awarded by the Philippines whose membership is restricted to women. The organisation and party list Gabriela Women's Party ("General Assembly Binding Women for Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Action"), which advocates for women's rights and issues, was founded in April 1984 in her honour. The BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) is named after her. Asteroid 7026 Gabrielasilang, discovered by Eleanor Helin at Palomar in 1993, is named in her honor. The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 8 November 2019 ( M.P.C. 118218 ).

A list of the closest-living relatives of Gabriela Cariño Silang through her paternal uncle, Nicolas Cariño:

  • Ambassador José Maria Ancheta Cariño
  • Dion Cariño
  • Rosarito A. Cariño
  • Nehemiah Cariño
  • Jan Philippe Cariño
  • Felipe Cariño
  • Sergio Cariño
  • John Leonard Cariño
  • Jose Angelo Cariño
  • Therese M. Cariño
  • Christine M. Cariño
  • Gloman Merritt
  • Glozy Merritt
  • Princess Mynn Hosea Merritt
  • Materno Marcos ma. Guzman Carino
  • Carlo Antonio Cariño Diy
  • Rolando A. Cariño
  • Donya Soccoro Cariño De Leon
  • Elizabeth Cariño De Leon
  • Hermoso Cariño De Leon Jr.
  • Dr. Noel Cariño De Leon
  • Jocelyn Cariño De Leon
  • Jasper De Leon De Jesus
  • Jizyt De Leon De Jesus
  • Jinkyl De Leon De Jesus
  • Jixtryl De Leon De Jesus
  • Pheobe Gazmen-Cariño
  • Adelaida Cariño
  • Candonino Gazmen-Cariño
  • Nestor Gazmen-Cariño
  • Abraham Cariño-Gazmen
  • Seny Fe Cariño-Gazmen Mangay-ayam
  • Jessie Carino-Gazmen Cruz
  • Agnes-Jocelyn Cariño-Arcelona Stupp
  • Emmanuel Cariño-Arcelona
  • Melvin Cariño-Arcelona
  • Ann-Loretta Cariño-Arcelona Maxey
  • Belen-Eloisa Cariño-Arcelona Stewart
  • Dr. Milenda Palafox Cariño-Arcelona

Some of Silang's living relations still reside in the ancestral house at the Cariño family seat of Tayum. The house, now a museum and art gallery called the Casa Museo Cariño , is maintained by Rosarito A. Cariño. Among the rooms on display is the bedroom of Gabriela Cariño Silang while she used the house of her uncle, Nicolas Cariño, as her headquarters when she fled after Diego's murder in 1763.

  • This page was last modified on 14 December 2023, at 12:05. Suggest an edit .
  • About the PSL
  • Apply to join
  • Sign up for PSL updates
  • PSL statements
  • Party documents
  • Breaking the Chains
  • Become a Sustainer
  • Liberation Store
  • Republication Policy

Liberation School

Gabriela Silang: Anti-colonial fighter in the Philippines

by Liberation School

gabriela silang biography english

Photo: Quezon Memorial Shrine - Bas Relief Murals - Gabriela Silang - First Filipina to Lead a Revolt," Cultural Property of the Philippines. Source: Wikicommons.

María Josefa Gabriela Cariño Silang, born March 19, 1731, and known as Gabriela Silang, is remembered as a fearless warrior and a great leader of the people of the Philippines. She was a military general in the resistance to Spanish colonialism and led the longest sustained revolt against the colonizers.

Her brave legacy has persevered long past her death. The memory of Gabriela’s actions has continued to guide women and men in the struggle against imperialism.

Gabriela was the daughter of an Ilokano peasant living under Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. For hundreds of years, Spain dominated the Philippines through forced labor, excessive tax collection and payment of tributes.

Imperial Spain’s three centuries of colonialism were not accepted passively by the Filipino people. At least 300 significant armed revolts against cruel Spanish repression were launched by the indigenous peoples of the Philippines.

Gabriela first married a wealthy man when she was 20 years old. After three years, she left the marriage and later remarried a 27-year-old indigenous Ilocano resistance leader named Diego Silang. Gabriela was not only Silang’s partner; she was his equal and closest advisor.

During the Seven Years’ War—a war between Spain, Britain, France and other colonial powers of the day—Diego Silang was imprisoned by the Spanish. Spain was allied with France and others against Britain during the war. Britain was attempting to diminish the Spanish empire. It invaded the Philippines.

Diego Silang was imprisoned after he suggested to the Spanish authorities that they abolish the tribute, colonialist tax, and replace Spanish functionaries with native people. He volunteered to head Ilocano forces against the British. The newly appointed Catholic Bishop of Nueva Segovia rejected his call.

Diego Silang’s imprisonment stirred an Ilocano revolt. After his release, he roused his people to action once again. His effort was cut short when he was assassinated by a traitor paid by the Catholic church.

Following his death, Gabriela took on full leadership of the resistance. She moved into the Abra mountains to establish a new base, reassemble her troops and recruit from the local Tingguian community to fight the Spanish. Gabriela led the resistance group for over four months before being captured. She and around 100 resistance fighters were executed by the colonizers on Sept. 20, 1763.

Liberation struggle continues

The people of the Philippines eventually defeated Spanish colonialism in 1898, only to begin a new anti-colonial struggle against the United States. Despite harsh, racist repression and vicious massacres, the U.S. imperialists faced the same problems as the Spanish had. They too were unable to subdue the Filipino people.

The courageous fighting spirit and leadership of people like Gabriela still marks the anti-colonial, anti-imperialist struggle being waged in the Philippines.

The ongoing class struggle in the Philippines bears not only Gabriela’s mark, but also her name. Her deeds inspired the creation of the country’s leading grassroots women’s alliance, named GABRIELA in her memory. GABRIELA, formed in 1984, is the General Assembly Binding Women for Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership and Action. Its sister organization in the United States is the GABRIELA Network USA.

GABRIELA is a powerful force in the fight against U.S imperialism and for democratic rights in the Philippines.

Its principles are stated clearly on GABRIELA’s website:”We believe that the freedom women seek will be brought about by the resolution of the problems of foreign domination, landlessness and political repression, and in the changing of patriarchal value systems and structures in Philippine society.”

Leila Khaled: Palestinian fighter, Marxist revolutionary

by Malena Hinze

In celebration of International Women's Day, and in honor of Leila Khaled and all the women who have played a decisive role in the struggle for Palestinian national liberation, we are republishing this article originally published by Liberation School April 17, 2007....

Claudia Jones: “International Women’s Day and the struggle for peace”

by Claudia Jones

Editor's note: The full text of Claudia Jones' famous 1950 speech, "International Women's Day and the Struggle for Peace," delivered at a rally and published in the March 1950 issue of Political Affairs, the monthly magazine of the Communist Party, USA. The...

Women’s triple load: The crushing weight of care work under capitalism

by Noor Karama

Editor's note: For International Women's Day, Liberation School is pleased to release the following article, which was originally published in the Summer 2022 issue of Breaking the Chains magazine, titled "The Women Worker." A Spanish translation is available here....

The CIA overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah and the struggle against neo-colonialism in West Africa today

The CIA overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah and the struggle against neo-colonialism in West Africa today

by Joe Tache

This article was first published by Liberation News on April 17, 2024. Introduction One day after his inauguration, Bassirou Diomaye Faye — Senegal’s new self-proclaimed “left Pan-Africanist” president — announced that the new government will conduct an audit of the...

Socialism an integral part of U.S. labor history

Socialism an integral part of U.S. labor history

by Eugene Puryear

In celebration of International Workers Day or May Day Liberation School is republishing "Socialism an integral part of U.S. history" by Eugene Puryear. Originally published in 2010 as a response to the mobilization of anti-communist propaganda against Obama to paint...

Leila Khaled: luchadora palestina, revolucionaria marxista

Leila Khaled: luchadora palestina, revolucionaria marxista

En celebración del Día Internacional de la Mujer, y en honor a Leila Khaled y a todas las mujeres quienes han jugado un papel decisivo en la lucha por la liberación nacional palestina, estamos republicando este artículo publicado originalmente por Liberation School el...

CulturEd: Philippine Cultural Education Online

  • CulturEd Philippines

Sagisag Kultura

  • Cultural Documentaries
  • Webinar Videos
  • Lesson Exemplar
  • Kuwentong Supling
  • Bayaning Bayan – Explorers
  • Bayaning Bayan – Educators
  • Talas Journal
  • Culture-based Governance
  • Cultural Education
  • Dunong Katutubo
  • Balagtasan Workshop
  • Culture Based Higher Education Programs
  • 2024 DepEd Memo for PCEP Programs
  • Diwang Paskuhan Album
  • BANTULA: International Conference on Culture-based Education and Research
  • AGORA: Crossroads of Creativity, Culture, and Ideas

Gabriela Silang

(19 Marso 1713-29 Setyembre 1763)

Ipinanganak siyá noong 19 Marso 1731 sa Santa, Ilocos Sur. Sinasabing inampon siyá ni Padre Tomas Millan, vicar general ng lalawigan, na pinakasalan siyá noong siyá ay 20 taóng gulang. Maaga siyáng nabiyuda sa unang asawa at napangasawa niyá si Diego noong 1757. Walang ulat kung nagkaroon sila ng anak.

Si Diego ang naging pinunò ng pag-aalsa sa Ilocos laban sa mga Español mula1762 hanggang 1764. Nang sakupin ng mga Ingles ang Maynila noong 1762, nakita niyá ang pagkakataón upang makapag-alsa ang mga Ilokano laban sa mga Español. Nahati ang puwersa ng mga Español sa pakikipaglaban sa mga Ingles sa Maynila at sa pangkat ni Silang sa Ilocos. Naagaw nina Diego ang mga bayan sa hilagang bahagi ng Ilocos Sur at nagpahayag siyá ng paglaya ng mga mamamayan sa pagsasamantala ng pamahalaang Español. Gayunman, isang kaibigan ni Diego, si Miguel Vicos, ang nahimok ng mga Español na magtaksil. Sa pamamagitan ni Vicos ay napatay si Diego noong 1763.

Ipinangako ni Gabriela sa asawa bago ito mamatay na pamumunuan ang nasimulang pag-aalsa. Nagpakita siyá ng gilas bilang pinunò at marami siyáng nakamit na tagumpay sa mga labanan sa Santa at Vigan sa Ilocos Sur. Ngunit sa dami ng kaaway, natalo ang kaniyang pangkat sa kalaunan. Nadakip siyá sa Abra at binitay sa Vigan noong 29 Setyembre 1763.

Nagsilbing inspirasyon si Gabriela sa isang samahang nagtataguyod ng karapatan ng kababaihan, ang GABRIELA(General Assembly Binding Women for Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Action). Matatagpuan din sa sentrong distritong pangkalakaran ng Lungsod Makati ang isang monumento ni Gabriela Silang. (PKJ) (ed VSA)

Cite this article as: Silang, Gabriela. (2015). In V. Almario (Ed.), Sagisag Kultura (Vol 1). Manila: National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Retrieved from https://philippineculturaleducation.com.ph/silang-gabriela/

PhilNews

  • #WalangPasok
  • Breaking News
  • Photography
  • ALS Exam Results
  • Aeronautical Engineering Board Exam Result
  • Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering Board Exam Result
  • Agriculturist Board Exam Result
  • Architecture Exam Results
  • BAR Exam Results
  • CPA Exam Results
  • Certified Plant Mechanic Exam Result
  • Chemical Engineering Exam Results
  • Chemical Technician Exam Result
  • Chemist Licensure Exam Result
  • Civil Engineering Exam Results
  • Civil Service Exam Results
  • Criminology Exam Results
  • Customs Broker Exam Result
  • Dental Hygienist Board Exam Result
  • Dental Technologist Board Exam Result
  • Dentist Licensure Exam Result
  • ECE Exam Results
  • ECT Board Exam Result
  • Environmental Planner Exam Result
  • Featured Exam Results
  • Fisheries Professional Exam Result
  • Geodetic Engineering Board Exam Result
  • Guidance Counselor Board Exam Result
  • Interior Design Board Exam Result
  • LET Exam Results
  • Landscape Architect Board Exam Result
  • Librarian Exam Result
  • Master Plumber Exam Result
  • Mechanical Engineering Exam Results
  • MedTech Exam Results
  • Metallurgical Engineering Board Exam Result
  • Midwives Board Exam Result
  • Mining Engineering Board Exam Result
  • NAPOLCOM Exam Results
  • Naval Architect and Marine Engineer Board Exam Result
  • Nursing Exam Results
  • Nutritionist Dietitian Board Exam Result
  • Occupational Therapist Board Exam Result
  • Ocular Pharmacologist Exam Result
  • Optometrist Board Exam Result
  • Pharmacist Licensure Exam Result
  • Physical Therapist Board Exam
  • Physician Exam Results
  • Principal Exam Results
  • Professional Forester Exam Result
  • Psychologist Board Exam Result
  • Psychometrician Board Exam Result
  • REE Board Exam Result
  • RME Board Exam Result
  • Radiologic Technology Board Exam Result
  • Real Estate Appraiser Exam Result
  • Real Estate Broker Exam Result
  • Real Estate Consultant Exam Result
  • Respiratory Therapist Board Exam Result 
  • Sanitary Engineering Board Exam Result 
  • Social Worker Exam Result
  • UPCAT Exam Results
  • Upcoming Exam Result
  • Veterinarian Licensure Exam Result 
  • X-Ray Technologist Exam Result
  • Programming
  • Smartphones
  • Web Hosting
  • Social Media
  • SWERTRES RESULT
  • EZ2 RESULT TODAY
  • STL RESULT TODAY
  • 6/58 LOTTO RESULT
  • 6/55 LOTTO RESULT
  • 6/49 LOTTO RESULT
  • 6/45 LOTTO RESULT
  • 6/42 LOTTO RESULT
  • 6-Digit Lotto Result
  • 4-Digit Lotto Result
  • 3D RESULT TODAY
  • 2D Lotto Result
  • English to Tagalog
  • English-Tagalog Translate
  • Maikling Kwento
  • EUR to PHP Today
  • Pounds to Peso
  • Binibining Pilipinas
  • Miss Universe
  • Family (Pamilya)
  • Life (Buhay)
  • Love (Pag-ibig)
  • School (Eskwela)
  • Work (Trabaho)
  • Pinoy Jokes
  • Tagalog Jokes
  • Referral Letters
  • Student Letters
  • Employee Letters
  • Business Letters
  • Pag-IBIG Fund
  • Home Credit Cash Loan
  • Pick Up Lines Tagalog
  • Pork Dishes
  • Lotto Result Today
  • Viral Videos

Biography of Gabriela Silang, Filipino Revolutionary Leader

Gabriela silang’s biography – maría josefa gabriela cariño de silang.

GABRIELA SILANG – Get to know more about the “Joan of Arc of Ilocandia” María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang.

María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang also known as Gabriela Silang was born in Caniogan, Santa, Ilocos Sur on March 19, 1731. She was wed to wealthy and well-respected Ilocos businessman Don Tomas Millan. Millan passed away from old age not long after they were married.

Diego Silang, a man of exceptional brilliance, bravery, and will who fought for the freedom of the Filipino people, was introduced to Gabriela. They got married in 1757, and she and Diego joined the uprising against the Spaniards in 1762. His uprising was initially successful but was put down by fellow locals Pedro Becbec and Miguel Vicos, who supported the Spaniards. Diego’s murder was planned on May 28, 1763, by Miguel Vicos and the hated and dreaded Spanish officials.

Gabriela-Silang-2-1

Gabriela pledged to revenge Diego’s death and carry on the fight after he was murdered. She was in terrible pain, but she needed to act quickly. After the death of their leader, the rebels lost all hope. None of the men offered to take on the role of the new rebel leader. In order to lead the uprising, Gabriela did something incredibly brave and replaced her husband.

She armed herself heavily and warned people that the fight was far from over. More people soon began to support her. Gabriela started helping residents of other cities. The locals started referring to her as “Henerala,” which is Spanish for “woman general,” and they were happy to see Gabriela carrying on Diego’s fighting spirit.

Silang Revolt

In her birthplace of Santa, Gabriela Silang successfully led her men through their first battle. The Spanish were adamant about defeating Gabriela following their humiliating setback by Gabriela. A Filipina woman had never previously made them feel threatened. The next stop for Gabriela and her soldiers was Pidigan, Abra, where they would set up a new headquarters. Although Pidigan was not far from Santa, the Spanish were unable to locate the rebels due to the terrain’s rough soil. In Pidigan, Gabriela was reunited with her mom after being parted since her childhood.

Nicolas Cariño, Diego’s uncle, who had gathered 2,000 of her husband’s supporters, joined her. He temporarily assumed command of the rebel army. On September 10, 1763, Gabriela and her troops arrived in Vigan. They then led a number of assaults against the Spanish forces, some of which were successful but others resulted in heavy fatalities on both sides. As a result of her soldiers being outnumbered after the raids, Gabriela was eventually taken prisoner by Spanish forces led by her husband’s killer, Miguel Vicos, in the foothills of Abra. Ninety-five of her lieutenants were apprehended. Each lieutenant was lined up along the coastal towns one by one and paraded in front of the onlookers. They were therefore publicly hung as a result.

She was set up for a particular kind of killing by the Spanish government due to resistance among the rebels. One morning, Gabriela was brought to the town square and hanged in front of a curious Spanish crowd. Gabriela, who was only 32 years old at the time, died bravely and with composure. The location of Gabriela Silang’s final resting place is still a mystery. She is considered the pioneering female Bayani because of her unwavering dedication, ability, and strength, which the Filipino people will never forget. Her brave example of leadership has come to represent the value of women in Filipino society and their quest for independence throughout colonialism.

What can you say about this article? Leave your comments and reactions below.

READ ALSO : Talambuhay Ni Andres Bonifacio – Ama ng Rebolusyong Pilipino

Please like and follow/subscribe: Philnews YouTube Channel Philnews.ph FB Page Viral Facts

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

KidsKonnect

Reading Comprehension Cause and Effect Context Clues Compare and Contrast

Noun Worksheets Writing Prompts Compound Words Figurative Language

The Wizard of Oz Hans Christian Andersen Types of Writing Text Structure

Literary Devices

Alliteration Hyperbole Metaphor Irony

Subject Verb Agreement Poetry Climax Rhyme

View all reading worksheets

Action Verbs Tragedy Transition Words Phonics

View all writing worksheets

Dramatic Irony Cacophony Anaphora Setting

View all literature worksheets

Abbreviations Transition Words Conclusion Situational Irony

View all literary device worksheets

Women’s History

Inspirational Women Women's History Month First Lady of the US Women's Equality Day International Women's Day

View all Women's History worksheets

American Revolution

American Revolution Patriots & Loyalists Patrick Henry Sons of Liberty

View all American Revolution worksheets

US Constitution US Independence Trail of Tears The Pilgrims

View all US History worksheets

Ancient History

Ancient China Ancient Mayan Ancient Rome Ancient Aztec

View all Ancient History worksheets

World History

Roaring Twenties Industrial Revolution Middle Ages The Renaissance

View all World History worksheets

Famous Wars

World War 1 World War 2 Vietnam War American Civil War

View all Famous War worksheets

Anne Frank Sally Ride Neil Armstrong Christopher Columbus

View all famous figure worksheets

Joe Biden Donald Trump Abraham Lincoln George Washington

View all President worksheets

Roald Dahl Dr Seuss JK Rowling Michael Morpurgo

View all author worksheets

Civil Rights

Rosa Parks Sojourner Truth Medger Evers Martin Luther King

Elvis Presley Johann Sebastian Bach Ella Fitzgerald Wolfgang Mozart

View all musician worksheets

Thomas Edison Albert Einstein Henry Ford Wright Brothers

View all inventor worksheets

Muhammad Ali Michael Jordan Jackie Robinson Jesse Owens

View all athlete worksheets

Nat Turner Ruby Bridges Harriet Tubman Booker T Washington Malcolm X

View all civil rights worksheets

Natural Wonders

River Nile Mount Everest Sahara Desert Mount Etna Ancient Pyramids Amazon River

Landmarks/Sights

Mount Rushmore Statue Of Liberty White House Stonehenge Great Wall of China Santa Fe Trail

New York Texas South Carolina Alaska Nevada Ohio

Australia United Kingdom China Canada Argentina Brazil

Mount Fuji Mississippi River Rocky Mountains Volcano Glacier The Great Barrier Reef

View all natural wonders worksheets

Hoover Dam Bermuda Triangle Leaning Tower Of Pisa Arc De Triomphe Golden Gate Bridge Colosseum

View all landmark worksheets

California Colorado Indiana Florida Washington Georgia

View all US state worksheets

Poland Greece Philippines Japan France India

View all country worksheets

May Day Cinco de Mayo Teachers’ Appreciation Day Mother’s Day Memorial Day Mexican-American War Lewis and Clark The Tea Act of 1773 Haymarket Square Riot Beltane

View all Seasonal worksheets

Social Emotional Learning

Morals and Values Self Management Ethics Depression Relationship Skills Self-Awareneess Self-Esteem Emotions and Feelings Goal-Setting Interpersonal Skills

View all Social-Emotional Learning worksheets

Celebrations

Easter Saint Patrick’s Day Valentines Day Chinese New Year Rosh Hashanah Thanksgiving Flag Day Cinco de Mayo Beginning Of Lent Yom Kippur View all Celebrations worksheets

Remembrance

Pearl Harbor Day Veterans’ Day Memorial Day Battle Of The Somme D-Day 9/11 Anzac Day Martin Luther King Jr. Day International Women’s Day Victoria Day View all Remembrance worksheets

Camels Fox Bears Penguin Wolf Beavers Mountain Lion Red Panda Snow Leopard White Tigers Silverback Gorilla Okapi

View all mammal worksheets

Marine Life

Crabs Starfish Fish Octopus Great White Shark Dolphin Walrus Narwhal Megalodon Shark Killer Whale Beluga Whale Lionfish

View all marine life worksheets

Insects/Invertebrates/Reptiles

Millipede Praying Mantis Ladybug Ants Spider Iguana Chameleon Komodo Dragon Lizard Bearded Dragon Gila Monster Snakes

View all insect worksheets

Eagle Peregrine Falcon Snowy Owl Emu Woodpecker Albatross Swan Quail Bald Eagle Hummingbird Peacock

View all Bird worksheets

Natural World

Avalanche Flood Tsunami Natural Disasters Fossils Ice Age

View all natural world worksheets

Earth Sciences

Water Cycle Global Warming Deciduous Forests Hurricane Sandy Hurricane Katrina Global Warming

View all earth science worksheets

Food Chain Fossils Photosynthesis Cells Ecosystem Plants

View all biology worksheets

Solar System Black Holes Eclipse Stars and Constellations The Moon Comets

View all space worksheets

Chemistry/Physics

Magnetism Graduated Cylinders Solid, Liquid, Gas Gravity Light Sound

View all science worksheets

Kangaroo Horse Bear Lion Lizard Octopus

View all animal worksheets

Addition Sentences Single Digital Addition Two-Digit Addition Three Digit Addition Repeated Addition

View all Addition Worksheets

Ordinal Numbers Cardinal Numbers Rounding Numbers Odd & Even Numbers Comparing Numbers

View all Numbers Worksheets

Counting Money Subtracting Money Change Money Coin Name & Value Calculate Change (Money)

View all Money Worksheets

Number Line Single Digit Subtraction Place Value Subtraction Sentences Input & Output Tables

View all Math Worksheets

Gabriela Silang Facts & Worksheets

María josefa gabriela cariño de silang, also known as gabriela silang, was a filipina military leader best remembered for her role being a fearless female leader of the ilocano independence movement against spanish colonialism., search for worksheets, download the gabriela silang facts & worksheets.

Click the button below to get instant access to these worksheets for use in the classroom or at a home.

Download This Worksheet

This download is exclusively for KidsKonnect Premium members! To download this worksheet, click the button below to signup (it only takes a minute) and you'll be brought right back to this page to start the download! Sign Me Up

Edit This Worksheet

Editing resources is available exclusively for KidsKonnect Premium members. To edit this worksheet, click the button below to signup (it only takes a minute) and you'll be brought right back to this page to start editing! Sign Up

This worksheet can be edited by Premium members using the free Google Slides online software. Click the Edit button above to get started.

Download This Sample

This sample is exclusively for KidsKonnect members! To download this worksheet, click the button below to signup for free (it only takes a minute) and you'll be brought right back to this page to start the download! Sign Me Up

Table of Contents

María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang, also known as Gabriela Silang , was a Filipina military leader best remembered for her role being a fearless female leader of the Ilocano independence movement against Spanish colonialism. She took over the leadership from her second husband, Diego Silang, after his assassination in 1763.

See the fact file below for more information on the Gabriela Silang or alternatively, you can download our 22-page Gabriela Silang worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

  • Gabriela Silang was born in Barangay Caniogan, Santa, Ilocos Sur on March 19, 1731.
  • Her father, Anselmo Cariño, was a Spanish Ilocano who was a descendant of Ignacio Cariño, the first Galician from Spain to reach Candon, Ilocos Sur in the late 17th century.
  • Her mother was a Tinguian, from Tinguian barrio in San Quintin, Abra, now Pidigan.
  • She received a Catholic upbringing from the parish priest of the town and obtained her elementary education at the town’s convent school.
  • Gabriela Silang was raised by a priest, who later arranged her marriage to a wealthy businessman named Don Tomas Millan.
  • They married in 1751 and shortly after he died of old age.

RELATIONSHIP WITH DIEGO SILANG

  • After being widowed by her first husband, Gabriela met Diego Silang, a man of great intelligence, courage, and determination. They got married in 1757.
  • Diego Silang believed and fought towards the freedom of the Filipino people.
  • His revolt was fueled by grievances originating from Spanish taxation and abuses, and by his belief in self-government, that the administration and leadership of the Roman Catholic Church and government in the province of Ilocos should be led to trained Ilocano officials.
  • Gabriela joined the revolt against the Spaniards alongside Diego in 1762.
  • During this revolt, Gabriela became one of the closest advisors of Diego as well as his unofficial aide-de-camp during skirmishes with Spanish troops.
  • She was also a major figure in her husband’s cooperation with the British who was at that time declared war on Spain (as part of what would later be known as the Seven Years’ War).
  • Diego’s revolt was successful at first.
  • However, Spanish authorities retaliated by offering a reward for his assassination.
  • Consequently, his fellow locals Miguel Vicos and Pedro Becbec sided with the Spaniards and killed him in Vigan on May 28, 1763.

REVOLUTIONARY LEADERSHIP

  • After Diego’s assassination, Gabriela vowed to avenge his death and to continue the fight.
  • Gabriela took her husband’s place as the leader of the rebellion.
  • Their first battle in her hometown, Santa, was a success.
  • After then, Spaniards who had never felt threatened by a Filipina woman before were insistent on defeating Gabriela.
  • Gabriela and her men then traveled to Pidigan, Abra, her mother’s hometown to establish a new base.
  • She was joined by a paternal uncle, Nicolas Cariño, who temporarily took command of the rebel forces, gathering 2,000 men loyal to Diego Silang.
  • Gabriela along with her troops descended on Vigan on September 10, 1763, then took the lead on various attacks against Spanish forces; some won but others lost, with numerous casualties on both sides.
  • When the attacks were over, Gabriela’s forces were overwhelmed.
  • For that reason, Gabriela and 90 of her followers were captured.
  • She was returned to Vigan, where she suffered humiliation and psychological torture, as she was forced to witness the flogging of hundreds of her suspected followers and the hanging of 90 more.
  • On September 20, 1763 she herself, then only 32 years old, went calmly and courageously to her execution.
  • The famous image of Gabriela as the bolo-wielding La Generala on horseback originates from this period.
  • Her time of leadership had been short, but her martyrdom and courage brought a lasting example to women of the Philippines .
  • As Gabriela assumed her husband’s role being the commander of rebel troops, she became the first female leader of the Philippine Revolution.
  • Gabriela Silang is commemorated as the “Joan of Arc of Ilocandia.”
  • The organization and party-list Gabriela Women’s Party (“General Assembly Binding Women for Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Action”) was founded in April 1984 in her honour and advocates for the rights and issues for women.
  • On November 15, 1995, Gabriela Silang was included in the nine Filipino historical figures to be recognized as national heroes.
  • Among those listed are Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, and Melchora Aquino.
  • However, no action was taken after the report was submitted to the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports on November 22, 1995. This was probably because any action might cause a number of requests for proclamation or trigger debates that involve historical controversies about the heroes.

Gabriela Silang Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about Gabriela Silang across 22 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Gabriela Silang worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang, also known as Gabriela Silang, who was a Filipina military leader best remembered for her role being a fearless female leader of the Ilocano independence movement against Spanish colonialism. She took over the leadership from her second husband, Diego Silang, after his assassination in 1763.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Gabriela Silang Facts
  • Quick Facts
  • Getting to Know
  • Then and Now with Diego
  • Important Dates
  • Silang Revolt
  • Filipina Fighters
  • Be Like Her
  • Gabriela Acrostics
  • Commemorative Stamp

Link/cite this page

If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source.

Link will appear as Gabriela Silang Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, February 18, 2021

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

Related Resources

KidsKonnect is a growing library of high-quality, printable worksheets for teachers and homeschoolers.

Home Facts Privacy About Blog Contact Terms

Safe & Secure

We pride ourselves on being a safe website for both teachers and students. KidsKonnect uses a secure SSL connection to encrypt your data and we only work with trusted payment processors Stripe and PayPal.

Vigattin Insurance

  • VIGATTINDEALS
  • VIGATTININSURANCE
  • VIGATTINTRADE
  • OTHER SITES
  • DESTINATIONS
  • TOURIST SPOTS
  • RESTAURANTS
  • FLORA AND FAUNA
  • SPORTS AND RECREATION
  • TOP 10 LIST
  • TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
  • VIGATTIN RADIO
  • WELLNESS AND BEAUTY
  • All Article
  • Trending Articles

Indigenous Arts and Crafts

Gabriela Silang Monument at Tangadan Welcome Tunnel

Filipinas have contributed much to building this country, and there have been heroines who fought bravely so that the philippines can remain free. perhaps one of the most known and acknowledged the most courageous is gabriela silang, who fought against tyranny and oppression during the spanish era. for her contributions to the revolution and her aspiration for freedom, the gabriela silang monument at tangadan welcome tunnel in abra was erected so that the people of today will always remember her legacy..

Gabriela Silang Monument at Tangadan Welcome Tunnel

Filipinas have contributed much to building this country, and there have been heroines who fought bravely so that the Philippines can remain free.  Perhaps one of the most known and acknowledged the most courageous is Gabriela Silang, who fought against tyranny and oppression during the Spanish Era.  For her contributions to the revolution and her aspiration for freedom, the Gabriela Silang Monument at Tangadan Welcome Tunnel in Abra was erected so that the people of today will always remember her legacy.

The Tangadan Welcome Tunnel in Abra now has the Gabriela Silang Memorial Park with the Monument of the great heroine.  Going to the province of Abra requires entering Tangadan Tunnel from the neighboring province of Ilocos Sur.  There one will see the monument and public park dedicated to Gabriela Silang, the fearless heroine who led the revolt with her husband, Diego Silang,  against the Spaniards. 

gabriela silang biography english

María Josefa Gabriela Cariño Silang was the wife of the Ilocano insurgent leader, Diego Silang. Following Diego's assassination in 1763, she led the group for four months before she was captured and executed.

Born in Barangay Caniogan, Santa, Ilocos Sur, Silang was of Ilocano descent. The people of Abra do claim she was born in what is now Pidigan, Abra (those two places are not far from each other, and Abra was not incorporated as a province until early in the 20th century). She was adopted by a very wealthy businessman, Tomás Millan, who later married her at the age of 20, but died after three years. In 1757, she remarried, this time to 27-year-old Ilocano insurgent leader, Diego Silang. The groups’ goal was to ensure an independent Ilocos. She became one of his closest advisors, whenever the troops battle, Gabriela always went with them to give support and help with the battle, a major figure in her husband's collaboration with the British and the brief expulsion of Spanish officials from Vigan, Ilocos Sur during the British occupation of the Philippines.

To get there, there are many bus lines that ply the route of Manila to Abra from several points In the city, particularly in Cubao, with the trip lasting 7 hours or so.  Do visit and see for yourself the monument for Gabriela Silang, one of the Philippines. Greatest heroines.

  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriela_Silang

About Us | Privacy Policy | Contribute Vigattintourism © 2024

Vigattin Tourism

gabriela silang biography english

IMAGES

  1. Gabriela Silang (Filipino Revolutionary Leader) ~ Bio Wiki

    gabriela silang biography english

  2. Awesome Women: Gabriela Silang, Revolutionary Leader

    gabriela silang biography english

  3. Gabriela Silang: Ilocana Heroine

    gabriela silang biography english

  4. gabriela silang

    gabriela silang biography english

  5. GREAT LIVES SERIES: Gabriela Silang

    gabriela silang biography english

  6. Gabriela Silang (Filipino Revolutionary Leader) ~ Bio Wiki

    gabriela silang biography english

VIDEO

  1. Gabriela silang

  2. Gabriela Silang: Warrior for Independence #shorts #storyscape

  3. Gabriela Silang🇵🇭

  4. Gabriela Silang Elementary School at CND 2 Drum and Lyre Competition 2024

  5. Gabriela Silang

  6. Talking about Gabriela Silang

COMMENTS

  1. Gabriela Silang

    María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang (Tagalog:; March 19, 1731 - September 20, 1763) was a Filipino military leader best known for her role as the female leader of the Ilocano independence movement from Spain. She took over from her second husband Diego Silang after his assassination in 1763, leading her people for four months before she was captured and executed by the colonial ...

  2. Silang, Gabriela (1731-1763)

    Silang, Gabriela (1731-1763)Leader of a revolt in the Ilocos region of the Philippines in 1763 aimed at establishing a government to replace the Spanish colonial government. Name variations: Josefa Gabriela Silang. Source for information on Silang, Gabriela (1731-1763): Women in World History: A Biographical Encyclopedia dictionary.

  3. Gabriela Silang: Anti-colonial fighter in the Philippines

    María Josefa Gabriela Cariño Silang, born March 19, 1731, and known as Gabriela Silang, is remembered as a fearless warrior and a great leader of the people of the Philippines. She was a military general in the resistance to Spanish colonialism and led the longest sustained revolt against the colonizers. Her brave legacy has persevered long ...

  4. Gabriela Silang, the 'Joan d'Arc of the Ilocos,' Philippines. Wife of

    Gabriela Silang, a young Filipina who lived i n the northwestern seaboard of Luzon in the mid-1700s is most commonly portrayed wielding a bolo knife. There's little doubt Gabriela Salang was a fearless revolutionary against Spanish colonial rule, and her spirit continues to run in the blood of women today, who carry on the struggle for self ...

  5. Gabriela Silang: Igorot Warrior, National Heroine

    Gabriela Silang was an Igorot military leader who is best known for her role as the female leader of the Ilocano independence movement from Spain. Gabriela Silang was an Igorot woman who fought for Philippine independence from Spanish rule. She was a skilled military leader and a gifted orator. Her legacy continues to inspire people all over ...

  6. Gabriela Silang

    Gabriela Silang. María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang (19 March 1731 - 20 September 1763) was a Filipina military leader best known for her role as the female leader of the Ilocano independence movement from Spain. [1] She took over from her second husband Diego Silang after his death in 1763, leading her people for four months before she ...

  7. Gabriela Silang

    María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang was a Filipino military leader best known for her role as the female leader of the Ilocano independence movement from Spain. She took over from her second husband Diego Silang after his assassination in 1763, leading her people for four months before she was captured and executed by the colonial government of the Captaincy General of the Philippines.

  8. Flipping the Script: Gabriela Silang's Legacy through Stagecraft

    The show intended to tell the story of Gabriela Silang (G. Silang). This great woman warrior reigned from the Ilocos region in Luzon and was referred to as the first Generela. 2 (Sta. Romana-Cruz 23). During the 18th century, G. Silang and her second husband, Diego Silang (D. Silang), worked to free the Ilocano people of Spanish colonizers.

  9. Phenomenal Woman: Gabriela Silang

    María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang, Anti-Colonial Revolutionary Leader: Born on March 19, 1731, in Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, Gabriela Silang would grow up to become the first woman to lead the Ilocano Movement for independence from Spain. After the death of her first husband, she met future insurgent leader Diego Silan, they married ...

  10. Inspiring Women: Emulating Gabriela Silang's Trailblazing Spirit

    Gabriela Silang's name stands among the distinguished Philippine heroines, a shining beacon of inspiration for young Filipinas. Her legacy offers a potent blueprint for empowerment, leadership, and courage, especially for young women navigating a world of challenges. As we dig into the remarkable journey of this strong heroine from Ilocos Sur, we uncover invaluable lessons and sources of ...

  11. Gabriela Silang: Ilocana Heroine

    One such hero is Gabriela Silang. The woman whom history would later herald as henerala (woman-general), the Great Ilocano Heroine, was of plebian heritage. Maria Josefa Gabriela Carino, who would later be known simply as Gabriela Silang, was born on March 19, 1731 in Santa, Ilocos Sur. She was born to an Ilocano peasant father, and an Itneg ...

  12. GABRIELA SILANG

    Joan of Arc of Ilocandia If France had a St. Joan of Arc (1412-1431), who liberated her country from the English invaders, and if Vietnam had the fighting Trang sisters, who save their native land from the Chinese invaders, the Philippine had, at least two freedom fighter - Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang (Mrs. Diego Silang) of Ilokandia and Teresa Magbanua of Iloilo.

  13. Gabriela Silang Facts for Kids

    Diego Silang. . . ( m. 1757; his death 1763) . Parent (s) Anselmo Cariño (father) María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang ( Tagalog pronunciation: [silaŋ]; 19 March 1731 - 20 September 1763) was a Filipino military leader best known for her role as the female leader of the Ilocano independence movement from Spain.

  14. Gabriela Silang: Anti-colonial fighter in the Philippines

    María Josefa Gabriela Cariño Silang, born March 19, 1731, and known as Gabriela Silang, is remembered as a fearless warrior and a great leader of the people of the Philippines. She was a military general in the resistance to Spanish colonialism and led the longest sustained revolt against the colonizers. Her brave legacy has persevered long ...

  15. Gabriela Silang was born in Santa, Ilocos Sur March 19, 1723

    Gabriela Silang: Anti-colonial fighter in the Philippines. https://www.liberationnews.org. On March 19, 1723, Josefa Gabriela Silang was born in Santa, Ilocos Sur, marking a significant moment in Filipino history. She holds the distinction of being the first Filipino woman to lead a revolt during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.

  16. Silang, Gabriela

    Gabriela Silang. (19 Marso 1713-29 Setyembre 1763) Si Maria Josefa Gabriela Cariño Silang (Ma·rí·ya Ho·sé·fa Gab·ri·yé·la Ka·rí·nyo Sí·lang) ang unang Filipinang namunò ng isang paghihimagsik noong panahon ng pananakop ng mga Español. Siyá ang asawa ni Diego Silang at nagpatuloy ng pag-aalsa ng mga Ilokano nang mamatay ang asawa.

  17. Gabriela Silang (Great Lives Series)

    Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz. Part of the Great Lives Series for young readers, this book tells the life story of Philippine hero Gabriela Silang. Tahanan Books for Young Readers makes history come alive in this first-ever biographical series of great Filipinos for children. Each book is written by an established historian or writer, in words simple ...

  18. Biography of Gabriela Silang, Filipino Revolutionary Leader

    Diego Silang, a man of exceptional brilliance, bravery, and will who fought for the freedom of the Filipino people, was introduced to Gabriela. They got married in 1757, and she and Diego joined the uprising against the Spaniards in 1762. His uprising was initially successful but was put down by fellow locals Pedro Becbec and Miguel Vicos, who ...

  19. Gabriela Silang Facts & Worksheets

    RELATIONSHIP WITH DIEGO SILANG. After being widowed by her first husband, Gabriela met Diego Silang, a man of great intelligence, courage, and determination. They got married in 1757. Diego Silang believed and fought towards the freedom of the Filipino people. His revolt was fueled by grievances originating from Spanish taxation and abuses, and ...

  20. Gabriela Silang Monument at Tangadan Welcome Tunnel

    María Josefa Gabriela Cariño Silang was the wife of the Ilocano insurgent leader, Diego Silang. Following Diego's assassination in 1763, she led the group for four months before she was captured and executed. Born in Barangay Caniogan, Santa, Ilocos Sur, Silang was of Ilocano descent. The people of Abra do claim she was born in what is now ...

  21. Diego Silang

    Diego Silang y Andaya (Spanish: [ˈdjeɣo si.ˈlaŋg]; December 16, 1730 - May 28, 1763) was a Filipino revolutionary leader who allied with British forces to overthrow Spanish rule in the northern Philippines and establish an independent Ilocano state.His revolt was fueled by grievances stemming from Spanish taxation and abuses, and by his belief in self-government, that the administration ...

  22. Gabriela Silang

    Si Gabriela Silang (19 Marso 1731 - 20 Setyembre 1763) ay ang unang Pilipinong babae na namuno sa isang paghihimagsik noong kolonisasyon ng mga Kastila sa Pilipinas.Nang namatay ang asawa niyang si Diego Silang, ipinagpatuloy niya ang pinaglalaban ng asawa.. Siya ay ipinanganak bilang Maria Josefa Gabriela Cariño Silang noong 19 Marso 1731 sa Caniogan, Ilocos Sur (Santa, Ilocos Sur).

  23. Order of Gabriela Silang

    The Order of Gabriela Silang is a single-class Order which may be conferred upon the spouses of heads of state and/or of government, both Filipino and foreign. Insignia. The ribbon of the order is red with yellow and blue borders. Recipients. Elena Ceaușescu (April 9, 1975) Queen Alia al-Hussein of Jordan (March 1, 1976)