Carmen de Luna

Carmen de Luna Villajuan (July 16, 1873 – November 4, 1962) was a Filipina educator and co-founded the Centro Escolar University.

In 1907, the two women, along with Fernando Salas founded the Centro Escolar de Señoritas, as a non-sectarian educational facility for girls.

To continue her education, de Luna enrolled in the course offered by the sisters of the Assumption Convent,[1] where she met fellow student Librada Avelino, who would become her collaborator and companion for the rest of her life.

[5] At the end of the Philippine Revolution, the school closed because the new United States authorities changed the educational curricula throughout the country requiring that courses be taught in English.

[25] She worked with numerous civic and charitable organizations including La Gota de Leche and the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, which operated San Beda College; as well as various Catholic charities.

[1][2] Her work among youth was recognized by President Elpidio Quirino in 1949, who bestowed upon her the Presidential Medal of Merit, the year the honor was inaugurated.

[26][27] That same year, she was honored by Pope Pius XII, who awarded her the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal for her leadership and service to the Catholic church.

Historical marker at Centro Escolar University, Manila