Hilaria Aguinaldo

Hilaria del Rosario
First Lady of the Philippines
In office March 22, 1897 – April 1, 1901
Preceded by	First Lady of the Philippines (Unofficial)
Succeeded by	Aurora Quezon
Personal details
Born	c. 1877
Died	March 6, 1921 (aged 43–44)
Spouse(s)	Emilio Aguinaldo
Religion	Roman Catholicism

Hilaria del Rosario (c. 1877 – 6 March 1921) was the first wife of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippines.

Life

Emilio Aguinaldo married her on New Year's Day, 1896–the very same day he joined the Katipunan, the secret society that would initiate the Philippine Revolution that year. Although the title "First Lady" (Spanish: Primera Dama) was not used, and did not refer to the wife of the President of the Philippines (being used only with the onset of the American governors-general in reference to their wives) at the time, she is today considered the first First Lady of the Philippines.

She complemented Emilio's military campaigns by caring for wounded soldiers and their families. In 1899, as the president's consort, she established the Hijas de la Revolución (Daughters of the Revolution) that later became Asociación de la Cruz Roja (Red Cross Association). The organisation is considered a precursor of the present Philippine National Red Cross, and for this she raised funds for medicines and other medical supplies. She was captured by American troops in 1900 and reunited with her husband after his capture by the Americans in 1901.

Del Rosario died on March 6, 1921 after suffering from leprosy.

In popular culture

• Portrayed by Cristine Reyes in the 2012 film, El Presidente.