Pacencia Laurel

Who was Pacencia Laurel?

Prudencia Hidalgo Valencia Vd.ª De Laurel was the wife of Philippine President José P. Laurel and the third First Lady of the Philippines and the only First Lady to serve under the Japanese-occupied Philippines during World War II.

She held out both as first lady and mother to the nation during the dark days of the war. Mrs. Laurel refused to live in Malacañang and opted for their family home in Paco, Manila. Like Mrs. Quezon, she involved herself in socio-civic and charitable activities.

The best compliment paid her can be found in the dedication of her husband's book Bread and Freedom which states: "To my beloved and understanding wife, who shared uncomplainingly, all the hardships that are the lot of one who tries to serve the fatherland."