Jessie Lichauco

Jessie Lichauco

Lichauco in September 2014
Born Jessie Josephine Coe
(1912-01-10) January 10, 1912
Isla de los Pinos, Cuba
Nationality American / Filipino
Spouse(s) Marcial Lichauco (married 1933–1971)
Children 6 [1]

Jessie Josephine Coe Lichauco (born January 10, 1912) is a Cuban-born Filipino-American philanthropist. Together with her diplomat husband, Marcial Lichauco, she opened their home to war refugees and opened a makeshift hospital during the World War II.

Early life

Jessie Lichauco was born in Isla de los Pinos, Cuba on January 10, 1912.[2][3][1] Her father settled in Cuba after the Spanish–American War where he met Jessie's Cuban mother. She was later sent to St. Augustine, Florida where she was raised by her relatives after she was orphaned as a young girl.[4]

While studying in Washington D.C., Jessie had met Marcial P. Lichuaco, a Filipino lawyer, working for the Osmena-Roxas (OSROX) Philippine Independence Mission. She came to the Philippines upon invitation by Marcial Lichuaco in 1933. She got married to the Filipino lawyer on December 29 the same year at the Sto. Tomas Chapel, becoming the first couple to get married under the newly constructed chapel. Since then, Jessie Lichuaco resided in the Philippines.[2][3][1]

Social works

Lichuaco joined the Asociacion de Damas de Filipinas and devoted work to the Settlement House, which was run by the association. Together with her husband, Marcial Lichauco, she opened their home to war refugees and opened a makeshift hospital during the World War II serving at least 2,000 people. After the war she continued her devotion towards the Settlement House and became its president for nine years.[5][6][3]

Lichuaco is also one of the founders of the Red Feather Agency, which later known as the Community Chest, an organization which raises funds for member charity organizations. Lichuaco also supported about 100 youth in completing their education in her own capacity.[3]

From 1963 to 1966 her husband was appointed Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway and Sweden by then President Diosdado Macapagal. Jessie Lichuaco served as the Ambassador's hostess representing the Philippines in international organizations and events. The Ambassador's home in Palace Green was open to Filipino business people, students, workers and tourists.[3]

After the death of Jessie Lichuaco's husband in 1971, Lichuaco spent a few years in the United States. She opened her home in Massachusetts to Filipino scholars and students needing a place to settle.[3]

Granting of Philippine citizenship

She was granted Philippine citizenship through Republic Act No. 10356[7] which was signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III.[6] She was cited in the law for her social contributions to the country, adopting the Philippines as her home, speaking the Filipino language and for embracing Filipino culture.[3]

In popular media

Lichuaco was starred in a film entitled Curiosity, Adventure, and Love where she portrayed herself. The film focused on her life which includes her migration to the Philippines, the meeting with her husband, and her insights on Filipinos as a people during World War II.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Licuanan, Virginia (21 March 2004). "92 turning 29". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
  2. 1 2 Reyes, Karl John (5 November 2012). "More Filipino than most: centenarian Jessie Lichauco, Cuban-American, gets citizenship". InterAksyon.com. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Cojuanco, Kimi (9 September 2011). "House Bill No.5277" (PDF). Quezon City: House of the Representatives.
  4. 1 2 Caruncho, Eric. "'Tita Jessie' at 104: A story of curiosity, adventure, love". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  5. ↑ de Santos, Jonathan (2 November 2011). "Bill seeks Filipino citizenship for expat who's been here since 1933". Sun Star. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  6. 1 2 "Heroine is a true Pinay". Manila Standard Today. 23 January 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  7. ↑ "Republic Act No. 10356: AN ACT GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO JESSIE JOSEPHINE COE LICHAUCO".
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