Art, Culture, Education, Governance and Business

Foreword by Jose “Butch” Dalisay, Jr.

Authors:  Amanda dela Cruz, Cynthia Alberto Diaz, Portia Placino, Regina Samson, Chuck Smith

“Benitez Legacies” is a multi-generational narrative of a family that has left imprints on various facets of Philippine history.  It begins with the patriarch Higinio, who rose from being an orphan to becoming a legal luminary. Father, sons, and grandsons participated actively in the drafting of three Philippine constitutions.   Two sons’ contributions to education are so significant that the premier national university of our country built institutions in their honor that have thrived to this day.  The National Historical Commission of the Philippines has installed historical markers to honor the two sons for their extraordinary achievements in Philippine development, and has installed one marker at their ancestral home, recognizing it as a historical site of significance.

The women of the family became strong role models for recognizing and upholding early on the important role that women play in societal development.  The Benitezes established the first university for women in Asia, and fought strongly for the rights and protection of women and girls, leading the advocacy in the United Nations.  They created responses to the need to establish multi-institutional responses to the crisis of homelessness among the poor.  A Benitez brought the issue of environmental conservation to international attention even before it reached public consciousness.

The younger generations crafted creative responses for spreading the benefits of education by institutionalizing inter-operable data systems and by inculcating the love of Filipino culture among children through puppetry and media.  The Benitezes, through five generations, have contributed in diverse other fields – from art, journalism, business, sports, dance, to governance.

“Benitez Legacies” traces the lives of 23 members of the Benitez family, through five generations.  As Jose “Butch” Dalisay, Jr. said in his Foreword, “No family is ever perfect, and there will surely be dissents and demurrers over the role of this and that Benitez in particular junctures of our political and social history.  But there can be little question that Filipino life is richer today for the multifarious contributions of this one family.”

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