Pacencia Laurel
First Lady of the Philippines

Pacencia Laurel

The basics
Quick facts
Intro
First Lady of the Philippines
Gender:
Female
Work field:
Birth:
30 April 1889
Death:
(Philippines)
Family:
Spouse(s):
José P. Laurel
Children:
José Laurel III
José Laurel
Jr.
Salvador Laurel
Sotero Laurel
Arsenio Laurel
The details
Biography

Prudencia Hidalgo Valencia Vda. de 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.
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."