P-Noy to lead re-interment of Tandang Sora's remains

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will lead today the celebration of the 200th birth anniversary of Melchora Aquino, which will be highlighted by the transfer of the Mother of the Philippine Revolution’s remains to the Tandang Sora shrine along Banlat Road in Quezon City.

The Quezon City government and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines coordinated in the preparation of the commemorative program and re-interment ceremony.

Though she was elderly by the time the revolution broke out in 1898, Tandang Sora opened her doors to members of the Katipunan, providing them food, clothing and shelter.

Tandang Sora’s remains were exhumed on the eve of her 200th birthday at the Himlayang Pilipino, which has been the heroine’s burial ground for the past 42 years. The Himlayang Pilipino administration, through its president, Alberto Albano, recently acceded to the request of the city government and the family of Tandang Sora to have her remains exhumed for permanent burial at her birthplace.

Mayor Herbert Bautista said the events that will transpire during the Tandang Sora bicentennial celebration shall serve as a big step toward the development of the Tandang Sora area.

Senior adviser to the mayor Dr. Manuel Alba has been tapped by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte to handle the negotiation for the transfer of Tandang Sora’s remains. The Quezon City government has declared 2012 as Tandang Sora year.

Belmonte, who also sits as chairperson of Task Force Tandang Sora, said various activities will be mounted by the city government to highlight the celebration of Tandang Sora Year.

These include, among others, the production of a documentary on the life of Tandang Sora, a traveling photo exhibit and the conferment of awards on women who best exemplify the ideals espoused by Tandang Sora.

According to Belmonte, the city government will forge ties with SM for the traveling exhibit and with the University of the Philippines-Diliman’s history department for the documentary.