Maria G. Ford, born in 1899 in Dumalag, Capiz, was a well-loved and respected figure known as the very first Filipino to have a passport issued after World War II. After studying bookkeeping in Manila, she helped manage her family’s large farmland and sugar business. She married Thomas J. Ford, an American engineer, and together they raised seven children while supporting their community. Maria was deeply involved in building churches, helping schools, reducing unemployment, and supporting groups like the Girl Scouts and Red Cross. She also provided homes for her workers and donated religious posts to families, showing her care for both the people and their faith. Maria passed away in 1986, but her generosity and contributions to Dumalag’s social, economic, and spiritual life are still remembered today.
Domain:
Photo Credit/s:
Profile of Significant Cultural Heritage of the Municipality of Dumalag, 2016
Mappers:
Noegen R. Boholano, Vencent Jan Defante, Mark Funa
Tags:
20th-century Filipino women, Capiz history and culture, Capiz philanthropist, Dumalag Capiz, Dumalag church builder, Filipino community supporter, , Filipino women leaders, Filipino-American family, first Filipino passport holder, Girl Scouts Philippines, Maria G. Ford, post-WWII Philippines, Red Cross volunteer, rural development Philippines, sugar business Philippines
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