After visiting the Dingras Church for our Visita Iglesia, we learned that nearby was the birthplace of Josefa Llanes Escoda. Her name is familiar to many as the woman on the old 1,000-peso bill. She is also the founder of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Since it was just across the municipal hall and near the town plaza, we decided to make a short sidetrip. The site was easy to find, located beside the church grounds, and it didn’t take much time to explore.

The site includes the two-story ancestral house where Josefa Llanes Escoda was born. Today, the house serves as a museum and historical marker dedicated to her life and work. The structure is modest, typical of provincial homes from that period, with its wooden upper floor and concrete base. Inside, there are displays highlighting her background as a civic leader. They also emphasize her role in promoting women’s rights and education. Additionally, they showcase her involvement during World War II.