Santo Domingo.- The Executive Branch enacted Law No. 96-25, which declares the outstanding educator and activist Ercilia Pepín as a National Hero, also establishing December 7 as “Ercilia Pepín” Day. The regulation seeks to honor her patriotic legacy, her transformative contribution to Dominican education, and her firm defense of women’s rights.
The legislation highlights the historical value of a figure who dedicated her life to strengthening education, promoting equality, and increasing female participation in public spaces. Born in Santiago in 1886, Pepín began her teaching career at the age of 14, becoming over time one of the main references in the academic training of the country.
Among his pedagogical contributions, the introduction of the use of school uniforms stands out, the promotion of respectful treatment between teachers and students and the incorporation of scientific methods in teaching, initiatives that contributed to modernizing education in his time.
Similarly, Pepín promoted conferences, community gatherings, and educational programs aimed at strengthening the presence of women in public life, strongly defending their civil and political rights. Her activism gained greater notoriety during the United States military intervention in 1916, a period in which she became a strong voice in defense of national sovereignty.
The new law establishes that the Permanent Commission of Patriotic Ephemerides will be the entity in charge of organizing the official commemoration activities, with the aim of keeping alive the educational and patriotic legacy of Pepín.
With its entry into force after publication in the official gazette, the regulations represent national recognition of a woman who dedicated her life to transforming education and defending the fundamental rights of generations of Dominican women.
