[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 79 (Tuesday, June 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  80TH BIRTHDAY FOR HELENA Z. BENITEZ

                                 ______


                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 1994

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Hon. 
Helena Z. Benitez on the occasion of her 80th birthday. She has long 
been known as one of the most prominent citizens of the Philippines and 
a tireless advocate for Philippine-United States friendship.
  On June 27, 1994, Helena Benitez will be honored at a gala at the 
Manila Hotel Fiesta Pavilion. This is a fitting honor for a woman who 
has been a champion of numerous causes and a leader throughout the 
history of the independent Philippines.
  Miss Benitez received liberal arts and education degrees from the 
Philippines Women's University in Manila and a doctorate in humane 
letters from the Manhattan College of the Sacred Heart. Her dedication 
to youth and education is evident, as she also served as president of 
the Philippines Women's University for 2 years, and currently serves as 
chairman of that institution's board. In 1940, Miss Benitez was the 
founding member and chairman of the central committee of the Girl 
Scouts of the Philippines.
  During World War II, Helena Benitez was a heroine. When the Japanese 
invaded the Philippines and brutally imprisoned countless Filipinos and 
Americans, Miss Benitez was a leader in the resistance. With prisoners 
suffering from hunger and disease, she organized a group of young, 
prominent Filipino women who obtained food and medicine. These women 
risked their lives by delivering these supplies to prisoners and 
internees, for which they could have been put to death.
  This aid was critical, as the Japanese occupation authorities refused 
to admit the International Red Cross to the Philippines. Miss Benitez 
founded the Volunteer Social Aid Committee, which provided life-saving 
food and medicine to American and Filipino prisoners-of-war. She and 
her colleagues were recognized by the Congress of the Philippines for 
their efforts after the war ended.
  She continued to be a vital force in the early period of Philippine 
independence, establishing the Community College of the Philippines 
Women's University, founding and serving as the first president of the 
Philippines Home Economic Association. She also founded the Bayanihan 
Folk Arts Association and the Family Life Workshop. As testament to her 
great affection for this country, she founded and served as vice-
chairman of the America-Philippines Society in New York City.
  It was only natural that a woman of her commitment should enter the 
public arena, and she was elected to the Philippines Senate. She served 
as vice-chairman of the Committee on Education and represented her 
country at a number of international conferences. As a Senator, she 
also served on the National Resources, Urban Development and 
Resettlement, and Local Government Committees of the Philippines 
Senate. Miss Benitez also served as a member of the Philippines 
National Economic Council. She also was active in her government's work 
at the United Nations, chairing various committees and being given the 
Romulo UN Award.
  Helena Benitez has been recognized for her service with the 
Soroptimist International Woman Helping Women Award. Currently, in 
addition to her duties at Philippines Women's University, she serves as 
international vice-president of the Pacific Memorial Freedom 
Foundation, which preserves the history of the Philippines during World 
War II.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in saluting the 80 years of 
accomplishments of Helena Z. Benitez. She is a role model for her 
fellow citizens of the Philippines and a great friend of the United 
States of America.

                          ____________________