Born in San Jose town, Orquejo was awarded the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal in 2017 for her altruism and acts of heroism which span treating the wounded as a nurse, gathering intelligence as a spy, and resisting the imperial forces as a guerilla leader.

Her son, Abraham Orquejo Garcia, presented before Governor Rhodora Cadiao and other provincial officials the award bestowed by the United States Congress, considered the highest honor given by the legislative branch to individuals or institutions with “distinguished achievements and contributions.”

Some of the duties and missions against Japanese hostility in which she played a part included the acquisition of firearms, 

Orquejo now joins Antique’s great personages and is given a space in the Hall of Heroes temporarily situated on the third floor of the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office.

Governor Cadiao also emphasized the need to acknowledge unsung heroes such as 1st Lieutenant Orquejo, especially at this time when the country celebrates gender equality and women empowerment.

The family of 1st Lieutenant Orquejo then expressed their profound appreciation to the Provincial Government and fellow Antiqueños by donating a desktop computer for the Provincial Library. (AAL/BPS/PIA Antique)