Lourdes Casas Quezon, Red Cross leader; 84

MANILA, Philippines—Lourdes Casas Quezon, mother of Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Undersecretary Manuel L. Quezon III, died on Oct. 4. She was 84.

Born on May 2, 1928, she was married to Manuel “Nonong” Quezon Jr., son of former President Manuel L. Quezon.

Quezon served as president of the National Federation of Women’s Clubs of the Philippines, a national organization working toward women empowerment whose services include awarding scholarships to deserving students.

She was a former music teacher and governor and council director of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC). Her involvement in Red Cross earned for her a Volunteer Achievement Award in the 2003 Search for Outstanding Volunteers by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA). The PNVSCA is the governmental agency that promotes and coordinates volunteer programs and services in the country.

“[Her] long years of involvement as a volunteer and official of the Philippine National Red Cross provided the organization with a leadership steeped in values and sensitivity to people,” the PNVSCA said in a post on its website.

Quezon was also credited with “the systematic consolidation and institutionalization of the National Volunteer Program of PNRC composed of children, youth, professionals, adults and senior citizens.”

“A tireless leader, educator and ambassador of international goodwill, she enabled the formation and training of countless volunteers in the areas of community and humanitarian services that promote protection of human lives and dignity,” the PNVSCA said.

Her body lies at the Charity Chapel of Don Bosco Makati until Sunday when there will be a funeral Mass at 9 a.m. under the auspices of the Philippine National Red Cross.

She will be interred at the San Agustin Church in Intramuros after the Mass.