[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 46 (Thursday, April 23, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING FILIPINA S. MACAHILIG

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 1998

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to note the passing of a 
woman whose loving care for her family and community spanned half the 
world, for over half a century.
  Filipina S. Macahilig began life in Manila, graduating from the 
University of the Philippines before working as a nurse through World 
War II. The children at the schools on Panay Island were comforted by 
her tender and competent care.
  At war's end, Ms. Macahilig moved to the United States, first to San 
Francisco and then to the Monterey Peninsula, where she continued to 
care for the ill and infirm. She and her beloved husband Edel raised 
her large family: four sons, Rene, Felicisimo, Requiro and Edilberto, 
and four daughters, Alice, Bernadette, Suzanne and Teresita, all of 
whom graduated with highest honors and became outstanding members of 
their communities. Her warmth extended outwards into the community 
through her service as a longtime member and officer of the Filipino 
Community Organization of the Monterey Peninsula. She replenished her 
spirit at the Carmel Mission Basilica where she was a faithful 
parishioner. She cared for her fourteen grandchildren and five great-
grandchildren with her own special kind of gentle compassion, providing 
a model of humanity that they will carry with them always.
  Her death at the age of 87 was a loss, but her generous spirit will 
continue to warm and nurture the community through the memories she has 
left with us.

                          ____________________