Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.2930

INTRODUCED BY CONGRESSMAN ALFRED VARGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Melchora Aquino de Ramos, more popularly known as Tandang Sora, is regarded as the
Grand Woman of the Philippine Revolution for her immense contribution in the history of
the Filipino Nation

She was born on January 6, 1812, to Juan and Valentina Aquino, a peasant couple, in
Caloocan. She was married to Fulgencio Ramos, a cabeza de barangay, and gave birth to six
children, She was widowed early and was left to stand as a single parent to their children.

‘Tandang Sora was already 84 years old when the Philippine Revolution broke out in 1896.
She was a good friend to Gat Andres Bonifacio, the Supremo of the Katipunan, and was in
agreement with the movement's aspirations for freedom and nationhood. Her home became
a refuge for the sick and wounded Katipuneros. She also gave them food, medical attention,
and encouraged the Katipuneros with motherly advice and prayers.

‘Tandang Sora was charged with aiding the Katipunan and was arrested by the Spanish
Guardia Civil on August 29, 1896 in Pasong Putik, Novaliches. She was incarcerated in the
Bilibid Prison and was interrogated and tortured, but she refused to divulge any information
about the Katipunan. The Spanish authorities then exiled Tandang Sora to Guam where she
stayed for six years. When the United States of America took control of the Philippines, she
returned to the Philippines at the age of 91. Tandang Sora passed away peacefully on March
2, 1919. She was 107 years old.

In honor of Tandang Sora’s valor, a shrine was built in the site of her home in Banlat Road,
Quezon City, where her remains were transferred from the Himlayang Pilipino. The said
shrine was declared a national shrine by virtue of a resolution of the National Historical
Commission of the Philippines.


Quezon City stood witness to the life of Tandang Sora and her brand of heroism that was not
determined by her age or gender, but by her selfless love for our country.

This bill seeks to declare January 6 of every year as “Tandang Sora Day.” In recognition of

Tandang Sora’s immeasurable contribution to the Filipino Nation, the passage of this bill is
earnestly sought.

RED VAHGAS


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House pitt No, 3930

INTRODUCED BY CONGRESSMAN ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
DECLARING JANUARY 6 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL NON-WORKING HOLIDAY IN
QUEZON CITY TO COMMEMORATE THE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF MELCHORA AQUINO
TO BE KNOWN AS THE “TANDANG SORA DAY”

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known as the “Tandang Sora Holiday Act
of 2019"

SECTION 2. January 6 of every year is hereby declared as a special non-working
holiday in the entire City of Quezon in commemoration of the birth anniversary of the
Melchora Aquino, the Grand Woman of the 1986 Philippine Revolution and the Mother of
Balintawak.

SECTION 3. Separability Clause. - If any portion of this Act be declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act or any provision not affected thereby shall be
remain in force and effect.

SECTION 4. Effectivity Clause - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,