San Pedrenses will soon witness a living testament not only to their city’s rich history but also the courage and gallantry of one of the most famous women in Philippine History.
This, after the passage of a local ordinance honoring heroine Gregoria “Oryang” de Jesus, known as the “Lakambini” of the revolutionary group Katipunan.
Under City Ordinance No. 2025-28, authored by Councilor Gius Castasus, a permanent monument and historical marker honoring De Jesus will be placed inside the San Roque Elementary School.
The ordinance also directs the city government of San Pedro, through the City Tourism, Culture and Arts Office (CTCAO), to coordinate with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) for the construction of the monument and historical marker.
The location of the monument aims to honor Barangay San Roque’s role in a chapter in Philippine history that was marred by bitter in-fighting among Filipino revolutionaries.
After her husband, Katipunan founder Andres Bonifacio, was executed in Maragondon, Cavite in 1897, De Jesus was brought by fellow Katipuneros to San Pedro, Laguna to shelter her from the enemies of her husband who were also pursuing her.
She first stayed at the house of Gregoria Olivares, wife of teacher Jose Amante, before moving into the house of Mariano Ilmedo in what was then the barrio of San Roque.
The move is the latest in a series of activities and programs conducted by city officials of San Pedro to honor the legacy of “Oryang” as the country celebrates her 150th birth anniversary this year.
Last April, NHCP, together with the San Pedro CTCAO, launched a revolving exhibit dubbed “Tagubilin: The Life Lessons of Gregoria de Jesus” at SM Center San Pedro.
The exhibit showcased artworks inspired by the "Sampung Tagubilin sa mga Kabataan ni Oryang," a decalogue written by De Jesus in 1928.
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