Luz Magsaysay

Luz Magsaysay
First Lady of the Philippines
In office December 30, 1953 – March 17, 1957
Preceded by	Victoria Quirino-Delgado
Succeeded by	Leonila Garcia
Personal details
Born	July 25, 1915
Died	August 17, 2004 (aged 89)
Spouse(s)	Ramon Magsaysay
Children	Teresita (b. 1934) Milagros (b. 1936) Ramon Jr. (b. 1938)
Religion	Roman Catholicism

Luz Banzon-Magsaysay (July 25, 1915 – August 17, 2004) was the wife of Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay and the seventh First Lady of the Philippines.

A native of Balanga, Bataan, Magsaysay was devoted to her family, relatives and friends. She and Ramon had three children: Teresita Magsaysay (b. 1934), Milagros "Mila" Banzon Magsaysay (b. 1936) and Ramon "Jun" B. Magsaysay, Jr. (b. 1938).

As the President's consort, Magsaysay was active in many socio-civic programs especially with the Philippine National Red Cross, of which she was honorary Chairwoman for several years. She is remembered as one of the most admired First Ladies and distinguished herself for her warmth and simplicity.

Magsaysay was widowed at 41 years old when President Magsaysay died in an aeroplane crash in 1957, three years and two months into his rule, making it was one of the shortest presidential terms in Philippine history. She dedicated herself to the preservation of her husband’s memory and led a simple life that was true to her husband’s legacy.^[1] Magsaysay herself died on August 17, 2004.

President and Mrs Magsaysay with former American First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt at Malacañang Palace.

References

1. Flor, Lina (1957). Mrs. Luz B. Magsaysay: Constant Light and The Private Life of the Former First Lady.