Joaquin Miguel Elizalde y Diaz

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

AUGUST 2, 1896

Joaquin Miguel Elizalde y Diaz (August 2, 1896 – February 9, 1965), a Filipino diplomat and businessman, was born in Manila on August 2, 1896. 

He studied at St. Joseph's College, London and Dr. Schmidt's Institute in St. Gallen, Switzerland. 

He married Elena von Kauffmann in 1924 and had two daughters, Cecilia and Elenita and got divorced in 1957. Elizalde later married Susan Magalona, the daughter of Sen. Enrique Magalona and the sister of actor Pancho Magalona. They had two children, Maria Theresa and Juan Miguel. 

In 1936, he and his brothers established Elizalde and Company Inc. after acquiring the businesses of Ynchausti y Compañía, which include Ynchausti Shipping, Tanduay, YCO Paints and Floor Wax, and the Central Azucarera de La Carlota and Central Azucarera de Pilar (now Capiz Sugar Central) sugar refineries. He became the company's first president. 

Elizalde was economic adviser to President Manuel L. Quezon in 1937 and 1938, member of the National Economic Council 1937–1941 and 1952 and 1953, and of the Joint Preparatory Committee on Philippine Affairs in 1936 and 1937. He was a member of the Council of State 1936 to 1941 and 1952 to 1953. He also served as Major of the Cavalry Reserve, Philippine Army. 

Elizalde was appointed Resident Commissioner to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1938 and became a member of President Quezon's war cabinet in 1941. 

During the term of President Elpidio Quirino, he served as Foreign Affairs Secretary (1952 to 1953), member of the board of governors of the International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (1946 to 1950), and the Philippine ambassador to the US (1946 - 1952). 

He was the Economic Adviser to the Philippine Mission at the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador (1956 to 1965), and represented the Philippines at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953. He died on February 9, 1965, and was buried at St. Joseph Church cemetery, Carrollton Manor, Frederick County, Maryland.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: Department of Foreign Affairs