MANILA — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led the unveiling and turn-over of the Historical Marker “Josefa Llanes Escoda” on 20 September 2024 at the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) National Headquarters in Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila.
NHCP Deputy Executive Director for Programs and Projects Alvin R. Alcid presented and turned over the marker to GSP National President Dr. Cristina Lim-Yuson on the 128th anniversary of the heroine’s birth in Dingras, Ilocos Norte.
GSP National Real Properties and Building Committee Head Archt. Maria Nina Bailon-Arce also gave the opening remarks while Girl Scouts from across Metro Manila joined in giving tribute to the memory of the GSP founder.
Josefa Llanes Escoda (1896-1945) was a leading educator, philanthropist, and activist for women’s rights in the early years of the American colonial period.
She was a leading figure in the women’s suffrage movement that culminated in the enactment of Commonwealth Act No. 542 in 1937 which recognized and legalized the right of women to vote and participate in elections. She served as one of the founders of the Girls Scouts of the Philippines in 1939 and as president of the National Federation of Women’s Clubs from 1941 to 1944.
Throughout the defense of the Philippines in 1941-1942 and later during the Japanese Occupation period, Josefa Llanes Escoda remained active in supporting her fellow Filipinos through various initiatives, including assistance given to guerilla operations.
She was arrested by Japanese Forces in August 1944 and imprisoned at Fort Santiago. She was last seen alive on 6 January 1945 at the Far Eastern University before she was executed along with other Japanese prisoners prior to the Liberation of Manila.
It is believed that her remains were buried in one of the many unmarked mass graves at the La Loma Cemetery in Manila. In 1954, she was posthumously awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for her service and sacrifice for the nation. Since 1991, her likeness has been displayed in the 1000-piso bill alongside her fellow World War 2 hero-martyrs, Jose Abad Santos and Vicente Lim. (NHCP)
