Luz Magsaysay

Who was Luz Magsaysay?

Luz Banzon-Magsaysay 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, Milagros "Mila" Banzon Magsaysay and Ramon "Jun" B. Magsaysay, Jr..

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. Magsaysay herself died on August 17, 2004.