Pacencia Laurel

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The Honourable  Pacencia Laurel
3rd First Lady of the Philippines
In office October 14, 1943  – August 17, 1945
Preceded by	Aurora Quezon
Succeeded by	Esperanza Osmeña
Born	1889
Died	1960
Spouse	Jose P. Laurel
Religion	Roman Catholic

Paciencia Hidalgo Laurel (1889-1960) was the wife of Philippine President Jose 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" (1952) 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."

v • d • e First Ladies and Gentlemen of the Philippines Hilaria Aguinaldo Aurora Quezon Pacencia Laurel Esperanza Osmeña Trinidad Roxas Victoria Quirino Luz Magsaysay Leonila Garcia Evangelina Macapagal Imelda Marcos Amelita Ramos Luisa Estrada Currently: Jose Miguel Arroyo

Preceded by Aurora Quezon

First Lady of the Philippines 1943–1945

Succeeded by Esperanza Osmeña