How a Filipino schoolteacher became the Visayan Joan of Arc against three colonial powers

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Teresa Magbanua defied societal norms to lead troops into battle during the Philippine Revolution, the Philippine-American War, and World War II. Known as the Visayan Joan of Arc, she transitioned from a disciplined educator to a formidable military leader, leaving an indelible mark on her nation's struggle for independence.

Born in Pototan, Iloilo, in 1868, Teresa Magbanua was an educated woman who initially pursued a career in teaching. After earning a master's degree from the University of Santo Tomás, she worked as a schoolteacher, gaining a reputation for strict discipline. Her life shifted significantly after marrying Alejandro Balderas, a wealthy landowner, which led her to leave education for a life as a housewife. During this period, she mastered horseback riding and marksmanship, skills that would prove vital when she later joined the Katipunan, a revolutionary society, despite her husband's initial disapproval.

Magbanua's military career began in 1898 when she secured command of a battalion of bolo troops from her uncle, Major General Perfecto Poblador. She quickly proved her tactical prowess, leading her forces on horseback to victory at the Battle of Barrio Yating in December 1898. Her success continued at the Battle of Sapong Hills, where she overcame unfavorable odds. These achievements earned her the nickname 'Visayan Joan of Arc' and the affection of her troops, who called her 'Nanay Isa.' She played a pivotal role in the liberation of Iloilo City in late 1898, working alongside prominent generals to retake the city from Spanish control.

The transition to the Philippine-American War brought both triumph and personal loss. Magbanua fought in the Second Battle of Iloilo City and later helped retake Jaro during the Battle of Balantang in 1899. However, the deaths of her brothers, General Pascual and Major Elias, deeply affected her. After shifting to guerrilla warfare, she eventually surrendered to American forces in 1900. Decades later, during the Japanese occupation in World War II, she continued her resistance by selling personal property to fund local guerrillas. Magbanua passed away in August 1947, remembered today through various honors, including a Philippine Coast Guard vessel named in her memory.

While she is frequently referred to as a general in historical texts, there is no official documentation confirming she held a formal commission. Her legacy persists through local awards, street names, and the annual Teresa Magbanua Day in Pototan, first observed in 2006. Her life remains a rare example of a Filipino who actively participated in resistance movements against three distinct colonial powers: Spain, the United States, and Japan.

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