THE City Government of San Fernando commemorated the 143rd birthday of local heroine and women's icon Nicolasa Dayrit-Panlilio at the Henson-Hizon house here.
Local officials led by Mayor Edwin Santiago honored Panlilio for her heroism and sacrifices during the colonization of Americans in the country.
Panlilio was known for nursing the sick and wounded Filipino soldiers who fought it out with the Americans.
She also interceded in the supposed confrontation between General Antonio Luna and General Tomas Mascarado during the Filipino-Amercan war.
Born and raised in this capital city, the heroism of Dayrit-Panlilio was first recognized in 2004 after she was declared a local hero of the City of San Fernando.
Since then, an annual commemoration of her birth date every September 10th is supervised by the City Government as tribute to her heroism.
During his speech, Santiago explained that the annual commemoration is also aimed at educating the youth about the local heroes of the city and their individual sacrifices which led to the freedom of the country.
“Paulit-ulit natin itong ginagawa, faithfully every year to ensure na mainculcate sa kabataan ‘yung values na pwede nilang gayahin from our local heroes, hindi lang kay Nicolasa,” he said.
The kin of Panlilio expressed their gratitude to the city government for continuously honoring their grandmother for the past three administrations.
“They never ceased to give honor to our family and for that, we are very much thankful,” said heroine's grandson Vicot Panlilio.
Since the Panlilio’s recognition as local hero, Vicot said the family has been holding a monthly medical mission for the Fernandinos at the Henson-Hizon house as their way of thanksgiving to the city.