Filipinas have contributed much to building this country, and there have been heroines who fought bravely so that the Philippines can remain free. Perhaps one of the most known and acknowledged the most courageous is Gabriela Silang, who fought against tyranny and oppression during the Spanish Era. For her contributions to the revolution and her aspiration for freedom, the Gabriela Silang Monument at Tangadan Welcome Tunnel in Abra was erected so that the people of today will always remember her legacy.
The Tangadan Welcome Tunnel in Abra now has the Gabriela Silang Memorial Park with the Monument of the great heroine. Going to the province of Abra requires entering Tangadan Tunnel from the neighboring province of Ilocos Sur. There one will see the monument and public park dedicated to Gabriela Silang, the fearless heroine who led the revolt with her husband, Diego Silang, against the Spaniards.
María Josefa Gabriela Cariño Silang was the wife of the Ilocano insurgent leader, Diego Silang. Following Diego's assassination in 1763, she led the group for four months before she was captured and executed.
Born in Barangay Caniogan, Santa, Ilocos Sur, Silang was of Ilocano descent. The people of Abra do claim she was born in what is now Pidigan, Abra (those two places are not far from each other, and Abra was not incorporated as a province until early in the 20th century). She was adopted by a very wealthy businessman, Tomás Millan, who later married her at the age of 20, but died after three years. In 1757, she remarried, this time to 27-year-old Ilocano insurgent leader, Diego Silang. The groups’ goal was to ensure an independent Ilocos. She became one of his closest advisors, whenever the troops battle, Gabriela always went with them to give support and help with the battle, a major figure in her husband's collaboration with the British and the brief expulsion of Spanish officials from Vigan, Ilocos Sur during the British occupation of the Philippines.
To get there, there are many bus lines that ply the route of Manila to Abra from several points In the city, particularly in Cubao, with the trip lasting 7 hours or so. Do visit and see for yourself the monument for Gabriela Silang, one of the Philippines. Greatest heroines.