Gabriela Silang facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gabriela Silang
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Gabriela Silang on a 1974 stamp of the Philippines
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| Born |
María Josefa Gabriela Cariño
19 March 1731 Santa, Ilocos Sur, Captaincy General of the Philippines, Spanish Empire
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| Died | 20 September 1763 (aged 32) Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Captaincy General of the Philippines, Spanish Empire
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| Other names | Gabriela Silang La Generala Joan of Arc of Ilocandia |
| Spouse(s) |
Tomás Millan
(m. 1751; |
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María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang (born March 19, 1731 – died September 20, 1763) was a brave Filipino military leader. She is famous for being a female leader in the Ilocano fight for freedom from Spain. After her second husband, Diego Silang, was killed in 1763, Gabriela took over his role. She led her people for four months before the Spanish government captured and executed her.
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Early Life of Gabriela Silang
Gabriela Silang was born in a place called Caniogan, in Santa, Ilocos Sur. Her father, Anselmo Cariño, was an Ilocano trader. He carried goods between Vigan and Abra along the Abra River. Her mother was a Tinguian woman from San Quintin, Abra.
Gabriela grew up with a Catholic education from the local priest. She went to elementary school at the town's convent. When she was young, she was separated from her parents. A priest raised her and later arranged her first marriage. She married a rich businessman in 1751, but he passed away three years later.
Fighting for Freedom
Meeting Diego Silang
After her first husband died, Gabriela met Diego Silang. He would later become a leader in the fight against Spain. They got married in 1757.
Joining the Rebellion
In 1762, a big war called the Seven Years' War was happening. Great Britain declared war on Spain and captured Manila. This meant the British took control of Manila and nearby Cavite. Diego Silang felt brave after this. He wanted to start a fight to remove Spanish officials in Ilocos. He hoped to replace them with local Filipino leaders.
Diego worked with the British, who made him governor of Ilocos. During this time, Gabriela became one of Diego's most trusted helpers. She was like his assistant during battles with Spanish soldiers. She also played a big part in Diego's cooperation with the British.
The Spanish government fought back. They offered a reward to anyone who would kill Diego. Sadly, two of his former friends, Miguel Vicos and Pedro Becbec, killed him in Vigan on May 28, 1763.
Gabriela Takes Charge
After Diego was killed, Gabriela went to Tayum, Abra. She found safety at her uncle Nicolás Cariño's house. There, she chose her first two generals, Miguel Flores and Tagabuen Infiel. She then took over as the leader of the rebel troops. People saw her as a powerful "priestess" figure. This is when she became known as La Generala, a brave woman on horseback carrying a traditional Filipino knife called a bolo.
Final Battle and Sacrifice
On September 10, 1763, Gabriela tried to attack Vigan. But the Spanish fought back strongly, forcing her to hide. She went back to Abra, where the Spanish later captured her. On September 20, 1763, Gabriela Silang and her troops were executed. They were hanged in Vigan's main plaza.
Gabriela Silang's Legacy
Gabriela Silang is remembered as the "Joan of Arc of Ilocandia." She is a symbol of courage and leadership for women.
The Order of Gabriela Silang is a special award in the Philippines. It is given only to women who have shown great service. The Gabriela Women's Party was created in her honor in 1984. This group works to support women's rights and issues.
A ship, the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), is named after her. Even an asteroid, 7026 Gabrielasilang, discovered in 1993, carries her name.
Some of Gabriela Silang's relatives still live in the old Cariño family house in Tayum. This house is now a museum and art gallery called the Casa Museo Cariño. It shows rooms, including Gabriela's bedroom, where she stayed when she used the house as her headquarters.
Images for kids
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Gabriela Silang on a 1974 stamp of the Philippines
See also
In Spanish: Gabriela Silang para niños
