Teresa Ferraris Magbanua is referred to as the "Visayan Joan of Arc." In France, Joan of Arc is a heroine, born in the village of Domremy, and became a martyr of faith after joining a religious war. She was only about 19 years old at that time.
There are many important women in history: women of faith, women of compassion, women of courage, women of excellence.
It's March again, dear kiddies! Once more we go a-curtsy to some iconic women in our history in observance of International Women's Month. And since we are Visayans, let me introduce you to my favorite local heroine - Teresa "Nanay Isa" Magbanua.
Some of you may have encountered her name in your Araling Panlipunan lessons. The others may not have heard of her at all, in which case it's sad, but that it is understandable, too, since most of the authors of our Social Studies textbooks are from Luzon and they may not be quite familiar with local stories and personalities in areas other than their immediate vicinities.
Nanay Isa was a kind, true-blooded Visayan who helped to stir up her community to rise against the Spaniards. She was born on October 13, 1868 in Pototan, Iloilo. (That's on Panay Island or in Region 6, Western Visayas.) She was born to wealthy parents, Juan Magbanua and Alejandra Ferraris.
She was sent to Manila at the age of 16, to study teaching. She finished a degree in Education and came back to her hometown to teach.
After four years, she transferred residence to Sara, Iloilo where she met her future husband, Alejandro Balderas, who was also rich. He owned vast lands. Upon marrying Mr. Balderas, Nanay Isa quit teaching and devoted all her time as his loving wife and helpmate in the cultivation of their lands. Nanay Isa learned to ride a horse and use a pistol.
When the revolt against the Spaniards broke out, Nanay Isa's brothers joined the uprising. Learning of her brothers' activities, she asked permission from an uncle, who was also leading a revolutionary group in Northern Panay, to join the resistance movement. Her uncle agreed, and appointed her to the position of General, with a number of soldiers under her.
The patriotic woman then led the attack against the Spaniards in Barrio Yalong, Pilar, Capiz in December of 1898. She also fought in the town of Sara. She was winning in these battles, and became all the more determined to continue in her crusade. She fought in Jaro, helping protect Iloilo against the Americans, on February 11, 1899.
When Santa Barbara fell to the hands of the Americans, Nanay Isa joined the guerilla forces. Guerilla (also spelled "guerrilla") means "a member of a small independent group taking part in irregular fighting, typically against larger regular forces." Nanay Isa was one of those in her time who braved possible death in the name of love of country.
Womanhood did not stop Nanay Isa from finding her voice in the resistance movement. Given that in those days the girls were confined to activities between home and the church, she was a unique woman indeed. It was certainly a very challenging life she had!
When war broke out in the Pacific in 1941, Nanay Isa again supported the freedom fighters against Japanese invaders. She passed away in 1947. She was already a widow then and had no children.