Taaw heroes honored on 128th anniversary of historic uprising in Tayabas City

By Engr. Jay B. Laurino Mayor Anthony “Piwa” Lim delivers his message during the 128th anniversary tribute to the Taaw heroes in Tayabas...

By Engr. Jay B. Laurino

Mayor Anthony “Piwa” Lim delivers his message during the 128th anniversary tribute to the Taaw heroes in Tayabas City. (Tayabas City CICRO)

TAYABAS CITY, Quezon — The Taaw uprising remains one of Tayabas’ enduring accounts of local resistance 128 years after residents rose during the revolutionary period. The city marked the anniversary on September 3 by honoring Tayabasin figures whose courage and sacrifices remain closely tied to its struggle for freedom.

Mayor Anthony “Piwa” Lim stood with city officials and residents before the Taaw heroes’ monument at Dulong Kalye ng Trece, where participants offered flowers and lighted candles. The modest ceremony brought the names and stories of the uprising back into public view at the site built to honor those associated with it.

Mariano Jardiniano, Yna Quika, Ceriaco “Diako” Abar and Isidro Lavares are among the Tayabasin figures linked by local accounts to the Taaw uprising. Their inclusion in the commemoration brought renewed attention to names that remain important in Tayabas history despite receiving limited space in broader historical records.

Lim said the anniversary allowed Tayabas to recognize the people whose courage has been preserved through local accounts and community tradition. He emphasized that honoring them also means keeping their stories visible to younger generations.

“Sa araw na ito, buong pagpapakumbaba nating binibigyang-pugay ang mga bayaning Tayabasin na iniugnay ng ating mga lokal na salaysay. Bahagi sila ng makasaysayang pag-aalsa ng mga bayani ng Taaw,” Lim said.

The mayor also drew attention to Tayabasin heroes whose names may not have received the same recognition in formal historical records. He said their sacrifices nevertheless remain part of the city’s account of its contribution to the country’s struggle for freedom.

“Kabilang sa mga bayaning ito sina Mariano Jardiniano, Yna Quika, Ceriaco ‘Diako’ Abar at Isidro Lavares. Marami pang Tayabasin ang maaaring hindi naitala sa mga aklat ng kasaysayan, ngunit ang kanilang tapang at sakripisyo ay naging bahagi ng ating pakikibaka para sa bayan,” Lim said.

Councilor Ana Cristina R. Obispo, chair of the City Council committee on tourism, arts and culture, and City Tourism Officer Wenda Saberola-De Torres joined Lim during the commemoration. Participants offered flowers and lighted candles at the Taaw monument as part of the tribute.

The simple ceremony reinforced Tayabas’ effort to keep the story of the uprising visible beyond anniversary observances. More than a century later, the names of the Taaw heroes still occupy a distinct place in the city’s own telling of its past.