Josefa Llanes Escoda (September 20, 1898 – January 6, 1945)

Josefa Llanes Escoda sacrificed her life carrying out dangerous work during WWII.

Born in Dingras, Illocos Norte, Escoda was a social worker, suffragist, feminist, and civic leader that
dedicated her life to social justice and amplifying the voices of women.

As a social worker for the Philippine chapter of the American Red Cross, she founded the Girls Scouts
of the Philippines during the early 1940s and served as the president of the National Federation of
Women’s Clubs.

With her husband, Escoda smuggled food, medicine, clothes, and secret messages to Filipino and
American prisoners of Japanese internment camps. She continued to do so even after her husband’s
arrest, until she was caught and imprisoned in 1944. This war heroine tragically endured abuse and
torture during captivity and is presumed to have been executed and buried in an unmarked grave.

Escoda has not been forgotten. The nation honours sacrifice, and Escoda is one of the two women
featured on the Philippine peso. Her accomplishments in social work and legacy in the social and
political progression of Filipino women live on.

#empoweringwomen

#empoweredwomen