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A Guide to Metro Manila Streets Named after Unsung Filipino Heroes

They may not be famous national heroes, but they’re patriots all the same.

By: Patricia Marie Prado | August 25, 2017

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We’ve all heard of Rizal, Bonifacio, and Mabini. These national heroes who fought for our country’s freedom deserve a street named after them. And they rightfully have it! But have you ever wondered about the streets that you pass by every day not knowing a thing about who they are?

To pay homage to these unsung heroes this National Heroes Day, check out this list of streets named after them, and get to know what they did for our country.

Josefa Llanes Escoda

Escoda Street, Malate, Manila

Escoda is known as the Florence Nightingale of the Philippines.

The street connecting Taft Avenue to University of the Philippines Manila and the Philippine General Hospital is known as Escoda Street. It is named after Josefa Llanes Escoda, who founded the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP).

During World War II, Escoda, together with her husband Antonio Escoda, became underground helpers to Filipinos and Americans during the Japanese occupation. They sneaked in food, clothing, medicine and other items to prisoners of war until she was captured and killed in 1945.

Maria Ylagan-Orosa

Maria Orosa Street, Ermita, Manila

Orosa was both a scientist and a hero.

Maria Ylagan-Orosa is a food technologist and chemist. A bright student hailing from Batangas, she worked her way through college and earned several scholarships in the United States. She used her knowledge to formulate new ways of preserving food native to the Philippines.

Some of her experiments include calamansi (calamondin) nip, banana ketchup, and Soyalac. She used Soyalac, a powdered preparation of soy beans, to feed thousands of prisoners during World War II.

Guillermo Masangkay

Masangkay Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila

Masangkay is a hidden figure no more.

A close friend and confidant of Andres Bonifacio, Guillermo Masangkay is among the hidden figures during the Katipunan movement against the Spaniards. Born in Tondo, Manila, Masangkay helped Bonifacio form the Katipunan and turned it into a radical movement.

He later become a general and helped create a Katipunan chapter in Cavite. He also led assaults and battles during the Philippine Revolution. He is now immortalized with a street named after him along Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Roman Ongpin

Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila

Don Roman Ongpin is a businessman, a leader, and a hero.

Don Roman Ongpin, a Chinese businessman in the 1880’s became known in Binondo for his art supplies store, El 82. Some of his customers included artists Juna Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Felix Resurrecion Hidalgo.

During the Spanish occupation, Ongpin funded the Katipuneros’ efforts through buying riffles, ammunition, and various supplies. His store served as a secret meeting place amongst Filipino radicals. In 1915, the City of Manila named Sacristia Street in Binondo, Manila after him.

Doroteo Jose

Doroteo Jose Street, Santa Cruz, Manila

Although his conviction caused him his life, his efforts did not go to waste.

If you are a frequent passenger of LRT Line 1, chances are you’ve already passed by this station a thousand times.

Doroteo Jose is a Filipino patriot who stood by his convictions despite much opposition. He led an effort to petition the removal of a corrupt archbishop during the Spanish occupation which later led to his persecution. His efforts, however, is forever remembered and he is now immortalized along the streets of Manila.

Vicente Leyba

General Kalentong St., Mandaluyong

From being a simple milkman, Kalentong stepped up and became a hero.

Another unknown war hero is General Vicente Leyba, alias Kalentong. The busy thoroughfare along Mandaluyong is named after a Katipunero who helped in multiple sieges against the Spaniards.

Born in Mandaluyong, Leyba was a simple milkman joined the Katipunan when the Philippine Revolution broke out. During a battle in Baliuag, Leyba was fatally wounded which led to his death. For his heroic deed, Aguinaldo changed his rank from colonel to general.

Tomas Claudio

Tomas Claudio Boulevard, Manila

Claudio was a Filipino soldier who fought in World War I.

Tomas Mateo Claudio may be popular to some as the name of a school and a street in Manila.

Born in Morong Rizal, Claudio started his career as a guard at the Bureau of Prisons. Unfortunately, he was caught sleeping while on duty and was dismissed. He pursued better opportunities in the US. When the First World War broke out, he enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to France. He was killed in action in 1918.

Edilberto Evangelista

Evangelista Street in Quiapo, Manila and Bangkal, Makati

Evangelista proved that one does not always have to fight to be a hero.

Before becoming a member of the Katipunan, Edilberto Evangelista was a smart student who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Colegio de San Juan de Letran. He also studied engineering at the University of Ghent under the recommendation of Jose Rizal.

Upon returning to the Philippines, he joined the Katipunan, planning and building forts and barricades for the soldiers. Today, his hard work for the country is remembered by two streets named after him along Manila and Makati.

Bonny Serrano

Bonny Serrano Avenue in Quezon City and San Juan

Serrano led a team of five and captured 77 men during the Korean War.

Col. Bonny Serrano Ave. along Quezon City and San Juan also has an interesting history behind it.

When the United Nations asked for additional help during the Korean War, Serrano was among the first people who responded. At the young age of 22, he led the capture of 77 North Korean soldiers despite only having a five-man team. He was given the Philippine Medal Valor of Honor, the highest military award in the country, for his bravery during the battle.

Know other streets and heroes who need some recognition? Let us know in the comments section below!

About Patricia Marie Prado

Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.

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Filipino heroes Filipino patriots historic Manila streets Manila street names heroes National Heroes Day Philippine history

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Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.