Press Release
June 16, 2012

PHL HONORARY CONSUL'S MOTHER DIES IN SEVILLE

Senator Edgardo J. Angara and Mrs. Gloria M. Angara join the family of Señora Purificacion Vigil de Quiñones y Alonso in mourning her death at the age of 91 in Seville, Spain.

Doña Purificacion, who was married to industrialist Don Alvaro Bidon y Garcia, and her family enjoyed close ties with the Philippines. Her son, Don Jose Ignacio Bidon y Vigil de Quiñones, is the Honorary Consul General of the Philippines in the Consulate of Seville. One of her granddaughters, Isabel Bidon Diaz, worked as an intern in the Office of Senator Angara last year.

The Philippine Ambassador to Spain, His Excellency Carlos C. Salinas, expressed the country's sympathy for her family in this time of loss. Consul General Celia Anna Feria attended the funeral, offering a Philippine flag to be buried with Doña Purificacion along with the Spanish flag.

Doña Purificacion was the daughter of military doctor Rogelio Vigil de Quiñones, who was among the 33 survivors of the historic Siege of Baler. In 1898, Spanish soldiers made a valiant last stand by holding fort in the Church of Baler for 337 days before finally surrendering to the Katipuneros, who granted them safe passage back to their homeland.

These Spanish survivors became known as the Los Ultimos de Filipinas, and the event heralded continued benevolent ties between Spain and the Philippines. This is now commemorated in June 30 of each year through the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.

Doña Purificacion was a teacher by profession. She was blessed with seven children, 23 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, who remember her fondly as being patient and enthusiastic. She taught them reading and writing, and instilled in them a devotion to the Catholic faith.

News Latest News Feed