Luz Rosauro-Magsaysay (née Banzon; June 25, 1914 – August 17, 2004) was the wife of Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay and the seventh First Lady of the Philippines.

Luz Magsaysay
7th First Lady of the Philippines
In role
December 30, 1953 – March 17, 1957
PresidentRamon Magsaysay
Preceded byVictoria Quirino-Delgado
Succeeded byLeonila Garcia
Personal details
Born
Luz Rosauro Banzon

(1914-07-25)July 25, 1914
Balanga, Bataan, Philippine Islands
DiedAugust 17, 2004(2004-08-17) (aged 90)
Quezon City, Philippines
Resting placeManila North Cemetery
Spouse
(m. 1933; died 1957)
ChildrenTeresita (1934–1979)
Milagros (b. 1936)
Ramon Jr. (b. 1938)

A native of Balanga, Magsaysay was devoted to her family, relatives and friends. She and Ramon had three children: Teresita (1934–1979), Milagros (b. 1936) and Ramon (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.[1]

Magsaysay was widowed at 43 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.[2]

Death and legacy edit

She died on August 17, 2004, aged 90. In commemoration of her memory, a Barangay in Cebu City, near the Former Airport in Lahug (near the Present Waterfront Hotel and Casino), was named as Barangay Luz in the late 1960s and Barangay Luz Banzon in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental.

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

References edit

  1. ^ "Luz Banzon Magsaysay: Well-loved First Lady". Philstar.com.
  2. ^ Flor, Lina (1957). Mrs. Luz B. Magsaysay: Constant Light and The Private Life of the Former First Lady.
Honorary titles
Preceded by First Lady of the Philippines
1953–1957
Succeeded by