Nationality American / Filipino Children 6 | Name Jessie Lichauco | |
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Spouse(s) Marcial Lichauco (married 1933–1971) Similar Marcial Lichauco , Isao Abe , André Amellér | ||
CURIOSITY,ADVENTURE & LOVE CNN PHILIPPINES "PROFILES"
Jessie Lichauco (born January 10, 1912) is a Cuban-born Filipino American who is residing in the Philippines since the 1930's. Together with her husband, lawyer, patriot and diplomat Marcial Lichauco, she opened their temporary house during the Battle of Manila to war refugees , turning it into a makeshift hospital during the World War II.
Contents
- CURIOSITYADVENTURE LOVE CNN PHILIPPINES PROFILES
- What did you like about CURIOSITY ADVENTURE LOVE
- Early life
- Social works
- Philippine citizenship
- In popular media
- References
What did you like about CURIOSITY, ADVENTURE & LOVE?
Early life
Jessie Coe was born in Isla de los Pinos, Cuba on January 10, 1912. Her father settled in Cuba after the Spanish–American War where he met Jessie's mother. She was later sent to St. Augustine, Florida where she was raised in a Convent School after she lost her parents as a young girl.
While working in Washington D.C., Coe met Marcial P. Lichauco, a Filipino lawyer who was working as Secretary for the OsRox Mission tasked with securing Philippine independence from the United States. She came to the Philippines upon Lichauco's invitation in the 1930's, marrying him on December 29 the same year at the University of Santo Tomas Chapel. She and her husband were the first couple to be wed in the newly-constructed chapel. Since then, Lichuaco has been residing in the Philippines.
Social works
Lichauco joined the Asociación de Damas de Filipinas and devoted time to Settlement House, which was run by the Asociación. Together with her husband, she opened their temporary shelter in Santa Ana] to war refugees transforming it into a makeshift hospital during World War II. The facility served at least 2,000 people. After the war, she continued her devotion towards Settlement House and became its President for nine years.
Lichauco is also one of the founders of the Red Feather Agency, which later known as Community Chest, an organization which raises funds for member charities. Lichuaco also supported about 100 youth in completing their education in her own capacity.
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 residence in Palace Green was open to Filipino businesspeople, students, workers, and tourists.
After Marcial's death in 1971, Lichuaco spent a few years in the United States. She opened her house in Massachusetts to Filipino scholars and students needing a place to stay.
Philippine citizenship
Lichauco was granted Philippine citizenship in 2012 through Republic Act No. 10356 which was signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III. 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.
In popular media
Lichauco starred in the documentary film, Curiosity, Adventure, & Love where she portrayed herself. The film on her life includes her migration to the Philippines, the meeting with her husband, Philipine history from her perspective and her insights on the Filipino people during World War II. The film won a Special Jury Prize at the World Premieres Festival Philippines.