Pacencia Laurel

Pacencia Valencia Hidalgo Laurel (née Hidalgo y Valencia; April 30, 1889 – January 1, 1960) was the wife of Philippine President José P. Laurel and the third First Lady of the Philippines and the only First Lady to serve under the Japanese-occupied Philippines during World War II.

Pacencia Laurel
3rd First Lady of the Philippines
In role
October 14, 1943  August 17, 1945
PresidentJosé P. Laurel
Preceded byAurora Quezon
Succeeded byEsperanza Osmeña
Personal details
Born
Pacencia Hidalgo y Valencia

(1889-04-30)April 30, 1889
Captaincy General of the Philippines
DiedJanuary 1, 1960(1960-01-01) (aged 70)
Philippines
Spouse(s)
(m. 1911; died 1959)
Children9 (including Jose Jr., Jose III, Sotero II, Salvador, Arsenio)

She held out both as first lady and mother to the nation during the dark days of the war. Laurel refused to live in Malacañang and opted for their family home in Paco, Manila. Like Mrs. Quezon, she involved herself in socio-civic and charitable activities.

The best compliment paid her can be found in the dedication of her husband's book Bread and Freedom (1952) which states: "To my beloved and understanding wife, who shared uncomplainingly, all the hardships that are the lot of one who tries to serve the fatherland."

Honorary titles
Preceded by
Aurora Quezon
First Lady of the Philippines
1943–1945
Succeeded by
Esperanza Osmeña
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