Elizabeth Angsioco, a staunch women’s rights and heritage advocate, passed away on Wednesday, 23 July, at the age of 67, her family confirmed.

"Our mother, Elizabeth Angsioco, passed-away earlier today. Despite the overwhelming sadness, we are all getting ready to celebrate her life and legacy," her daughter Mabs Costales wrote on Facebook.

"The sadness is profound. The loss is overwhelming. She was a powerful force in many, many lives," Costales said in a separate post.

Born in 1958, Angsioco was known for her tireless work in advancing the rights of women and workers. She served as the national chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines and played a pivotal role in the passage of key legislation benefiting women, including the landmark Reproductive Health Law.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) also mourned Angsioco’s passing, highlighting her role as custodian of the estate of Felisa Diokno, who served as the private secretary to President Emilio Aguinaldo during the later years of his life.

"She generously gave people access to this collection, which led to the publication by the NHCP of Talang Buhay ng Supremo And. Bonifacio sa Kabite in 2020. It was a biography of Bonifacio written by Aguinaldo in 1947," the NHCP noted.

Angsioco also contributed to historical education and advocacy through her participation in Tunay na Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, Inc. (TUKLAS Pilipinas), which promotes the memory of those who fought during the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War.

In addition to her activism, she was deeply committed to Filipino culture and heritage. She supported these causes through Adarna Food and Culture Restaurant and Felisa Cafe.

"May her memory encourage more Filipinos to be inspired by history to work for the improvement of people's lives," the NHCP said.