Josefa Llanes Escoda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Josefa Llanes Escoda
|
|
|---|---|
Josefa Llanes Escoda Monument
|
|
| Born |
Josefa Llanes y Madamba
September 20, 1898 |
| Died | January 6, 1945 (aged 46) Sampaloc, Manila, Philippine Commonwealth
|
| Resting place | Unmarked grave in either La Loma Cemetery or Manila Chinese Cemetery, Manila, Philippines |
| Known for | Founder of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines Filipino World War II hero |
| Spouse(s) | Antonio Escoda, Sr. |
Josefa Madamba Llanes Escoda (born September 20, 1898 – died January 6, 1945) was a brave Filipina leader. She was a social worker and a hero during World War II. Josefa also fought for women's suffrage, which means women's right to vote.
She is best known for starting the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Josefa is honored on the Philippines' 1,000-Peso banknote. She shares this honor with José Abad Santos and Vicente Lim. These three Filipinos bravely resisted the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II.
Contents
Her Early Life and Education
Josefa was born in Dingras, Ilocos Norte. Her full birth name was Josefa Llanes y Madamba. She was the oldest of seven children. Her parents were Mercedes Madamba and Gabriel Llanes.
As a child, Josefa was called Pepa. She learned early about helping others. She was a very bright student. She finished elementary school as valedictorian. In high school, she was salutatorian.
Josefa went to Philippine Normal School in Manila. She earned her teaching degree there in 1919. She graduated with high honors. While teaching, she also got a high school teacher's certificate. This was from the University of the Philippines in 1922.
After becoming a teacher, she worked as a social worker. She joined the Philippine Chapter of the American Red Cross. The Red Cross gave her a scholarship to study in the United States. She earned a master's degree in Sociology from Columbia University in 1925.
Josefa also worked with the National Federation of Women's Clubs (NFWC). She was an executive secretary in 1923. Later, she became the president from 1941 to 1944. In the United States, she joined a group of foreign students. They supported an International House project.
During her free time, she gave speeches. She often wore a Filipiniana dress. This helped promote interest in the Philippines. During her first trip to the United States, she met Antonio Escoda Sr. He was a businessman from Gandara, Samar. They later got married. They had two children, Maria Theresa and Antonio Jr.
Starting the Girl Scouts of the Philippines
Josefa returned to the Philippines in the 1940s. She had special training in Girl Scouting in the USA. This training was supported by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. After her training, she started teaching young women. She trained them to become girl scout leaders.
Then, she worked to create the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. On May 26, 1940, President Manuel L. Quezon signed the official document. This document started the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Josefa became the first National Executive of the group.
Her Bravery in World War II
During World War II, Japanese forces took over the Philippines. By 1944, news spread about Josefa and her husband Antonio. They were secretly helping people. They gave medicine, food, clothes, and messages. These supplies went to Filipino war prisoners and American people held in camps.
Lt. José L. Llanes saw Josefa on January 14, 1944. She gave him a final message. She said she had done her duty to her country and God. She felt her biggest help was saving the lives of soldiers. These soldiers had surrendered in Bataan and Corregidor.
She also helped prisoners get released. She promised they would not fight against the Japanese. But she hoped they would keep fighting for freedom. She wanted people to know that Filipino women also did their part. They kept the hope for truth and liberty alive.
Antonio was arrested in June 1944. Josefa was arrested two months later, on August 27. She was held in Fort Santiago. This was the same prison as her husband. Antonio was executed in 1944. Josefa Llanes Escoda was last seen alive on January 6, 1945. It is believed she was executed by the Japanese. She was buried in an unmarked grave. This grave is thought to be in either the La Loma Cemetery or Manila Chinese Cemetery.
Her Lasting Legacy
A street and a building are named after Josefa. A monument also honors her memory. The Apayao – Ilocos Norte Road is also named after her. She is shown on the 1000-peso bill. She is one of three Filipinos who died as heroes during the Japanese occupation.
The Girl Scouts of the Philippines remember Josefa Llanes Escoda every year. On September 20, they celebrate her birthday. They do activities to share her story. They also highlight her contributions to helping young people grow.
On September 20, 2018, Google Doodle honored her. It was created to celebrate her 120th birthday.
Images for kids
-
Josefa Llanes Escoda Monument
See also
In Spanish: Josefa Llanes Escoda para niños
