Concepcion Aguila

Concepcion Aguila (September 11, 1894 – December 16, 1959) was a Filipino educator and lawyer.

Concepcion Aguila
NHI historical marker
Born	(1894-09-11)September 11, 1894 San Jose, Batangas
Died	December 16, 1959(1959-12-16) (aged 65)
Nationality	Filipino
Education	PhD in Political Science
Alma mater	Georgetown University, Washington D.C., USA
Occupations	Educator Lawyer

Early life and education

Aguila was born on September 11, 1894, in San Jose, Batangas. She completed primary education at a public school in Batangas.^[1]

Aguila became a kindergarten teacher before she obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1924 from the Philippine Law School in Manila. She pursued postgraduate studies at Centro Escolar University (CEU) in Manila and graduated with a Master of Laws in 1926 and a Master of Arts in 1937.^[1]

Aguila later went to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., USA, and received a PhD in Political Science in 1948, making her the first woman and international student to receive the said doctoral degree from the university.^[2][3]

Professional life

After studying in the US, Aguila returned to the Philippines. She worked as a teacher at CEU and later on became the dean of the university's graduate school.^[2]

In the early 1950s, Aguila was active in the United Nations assemblies and conferences. She published a book, Educational Legislation, in 1956 and received the Outstanding International Teacher award from the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1958.^[4]

Aguila died of cancer on December 16, 1959.^[1]

Recognitions

Concepcion Aguila bridge signage

In 1993, the National Historical Institute (NHI), now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, installed a historical marker in CEU to recognize Aguila.^[5][6] In addition, several public infrastructures in Manila, including a street and a bridge, are named after her.^[7]