Beneath this plaque lies a story of resilience and reform. This is the Fernanda Balboa Plaque. It commemorates a woman who dedicated her life to civic leadership and social reform. Fernanda Balboa was born on October 8 1902.
Fernanda Balboa’s story began in Dagupan Pangasinan. Her parents Marcelino Salcedo and Maria Pilar del Prado were both teachers. Even as a young girl Fernanda Balboa demonstrated a strong sense of civic duty. At fourteen she formed a club to help her community. They raised funds for local improvements including a monument for Dr. Jose Rizal.
Let me tell you more about Fernanda Balboa’s life. She studied at the Centro Escolar de Senoritas. There she excelled and became editor of the college magazine. She continued her education at the Philippine Law School. She pursued her passion for writing and justice.
In 1926 Fernanda Balboa married Natalio M Balboa. He was the legal counselor of the Central Bank of the Philippines. Together they raised seven children who all became professionals. In 1979 they received the Patnugan Award.
During World War II Fernanda Balboa showed incredible courage. She joined the underground movement. She established a home for convalescent soldiers in Sampaloc Manila. She also created community kitchens in Antipolo and Dimasalang. These kitchens provided food in scarce times.
After the war Fernanda Balboa continued her civic work. She became the executive secretary of the Philippine Association of University Women. For eleven years she served as president of the League of Women Voters of the Philippines. Under her leadership the League became a corporation. They fought for the approval of the New Civil Code.
Fernanda Balboa also drafted legislation to create the Women’s and Minor’s Bureau. This bureau was under the Department of Labor. Her work significantly advanced women’s rights in the Philippines.
The Association of University Women recognized her contributions. They awarded her a scholarship to Columbia University. She studied social legislation there.
In 1957 Fernanda Balboa established the Children’s Museum and Library Inc. It aimed to develop the talents of Filipino youth. In 1958 she became president of the Pan Pacific and Southeast Asia Women’s Association.
Fernanda Balboa founded Friendship Inc. This organization helped former prison inmates find decent work. She also organized the Women’s Rights Movement of the Philippines. It gathered information on women’s rights in the Philippines and other countries.
Fernanda Balboa’s dedication extended to free and fair elections. She organized the National Movement for Free Elections. She also served in various roles in other organizations. These included the Philippine Mental Health Association and the Moral Rearmament Foundation of the Philippines.
Fernanda Balboa received numerous awards. The Civic Assembly of Women of the Philippines honored her in 1968. The CAWP also recognized the Children’s Museum and Library Inc.
Fernanda Balboa’s life exemplified her philosophy. “Success is equal to the amount of sacrifice you give”. She passed away on May 24 1999. The Atty Fernanda S Balboa Youth Leadership Award is named in her honor.
This Fernanda Balboa Plaque serves as a reminder. It commemorates her tireless efforts. She fought for social justice and community development in the Philippines. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations.