(Photo by Janna Marie Pineda/PIA-NCR)
When reading about the traits that the Lakambini ng Katipunan says every Filipina should embody, you may wonder who this person is and why their definition of a brave Filipina should be trusted.
The Lakambini ng Katipunan was Gregoria de Jesus, or “Oryang” as she was fondly called. She was one of the notable figures in Philippine history who exemplified the true meaning of love – that it is worth fighting for.
More than her devotion to Andres Bonifacio, Oryang showed her love for her country by joining Bonifacio’s secret revolutionary society, the Katipunan, to the point of sacrificing her own happiness, security and peace of mind.
Oryang’s bravery quickly elevated her role within the Katipunan beyond mere participation. She offered her home as a meeting place and safe haven for her comrades, and she kept Katipunan documents safe during surprise inspections.
When the revolution broke out, she even changed her name to Manuela Gonzaga to avoid possible arrest, further demonstrating her courageous spirit.
This remarkable woman not only showcased intelligence, but also displayed unwavering dedication to noble causes, embodying the essence of a true Filipina revolutionary.

(Photo by Janna Marie Pineda/PIA-NCR)
‘Tagubilin: The Life Lessons of Gregoria De Jesus’ Exhibit Goes to Manila
In commemoration of her 150th birth anniversary, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) organized a traveling exhibit titled, ‘Tagubilin: The Life Lessons of Gregoria De Jesus’ aimed at guiding and reminding the people of the defining characteristics every Filipina should emulate.
After Caloocan City, the exhibit now goes to the Capital City, Manila. Found at the Manila City Hall, it is open to the public starting August 5, 2024 to August 16, 2024, city hall hours.
According to the exhibit, here are some life lessons we can learn from the Lakambini ng Katipunan:

(Photo by Janna Marie Pineda/PIA-NCR)
Life lessons from Oryang: A Filipina revolutionary’s wisdom
- Pagsikapang magkaroon ng anomang karunungan na tumutugon sa inyong hilig upang mapakinabangan ng bayan. (Diligently acquire knowledge in the field or profession that best suits you, so that you can be truly useful to your country.)
- Alalahanin tuwina ang mga banal na aral ng mga bayani na nasawi dahil sa pag-ibig sa bayan. (Always remember the important teachings of our heroes who sacrificed their lives out of love for our country.)
- Ang kabaitan ay alalahaning isang malaking kayamanan. (Recognize that goodness itself is a form of wealth.)
- Sikapin ang ikapagkakaisa ng lahat at ikauunlad ng bayan upang huwag magkaroon ng sagabal ang kasarinlan. (Promote the unity of the people and the country’s progress, to ensure our independence is not impeded.)
- Matakot sa kasaysayan pagka’t walang lihim na di nahahayag. (Be wary of history, for it respects no secrets.)
These lessons from the revolutionary Oryang serve as a blueprint for Filipinas to embody the same virtues of patriotism, bravery, and selflessness that she demonstrated in the fight for Philippine independence. (PIA-NCR)