Significant Events in July in Filipino History

On July 19, 1949, Justice Frank Murphy, a noted Catholic liberal, last of the American Governor-Generals of the Philippines and the first of the U. S. High Commissioners in the Philippines, died of coronary thrombosis during his sleep at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan.

On July 19, 2004, President Gloria Arroyo ordered the pullout of the Philippine humanitarian contingent out of Iraq to save the life of a Filipino truck driver who was taken captive by Iraqi rebels.

Renato "Rene" Salud de Villa is one of the Philippines' most distinguished military leaders and government officials, whose career spanned nearly four decades of dedicated service to his country. Born on July 20, 1935, in San Juan, Batangas, de Villa became a pivotal figure in Philippine military history, serving during some of the nation's most turbulent and transformative periods.

Margarita Roxas de Ayala, born on July 20, 1826, in San Miguel, Manila, stands as a towering figure in Philippine history. As the eldest daughter of Domingo Roxas and Maria Saturnina Ubaldo, she inherited a legacy of entrepreneurial spirit and social responsibility. Her life, though brief, was marked by extraordinary achievements in business and philanthropy, making her one of the Philippines' most influential women of the 19th century. Through her leadership in Casa Roxas (later Ayala Corporation), co-founding of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and establishment of La Concordia College, Margarita left an indelible mark on Philippine society.

On July 21, 1871, Praxedes Julia Fernandez, the so-called singing sweetheart of Manila, a performer who is considered Queen of Philippine Drama, was born in Sta. Cruz, Manila. She was one of the three children of Mariano Fernandez and Josefa Quizon.

On July 21, 1974, the first Miss Universe beauty pageant held in the Philippines formally opened at the Folk Arts Theater in Manila. It was participated in by 65 contestants from all over the world and was won by Amparo Munoz of Spain.

The Philippine National Bank (PNB) has a rich history spanning over a century, evolving from a government-owned institution to a major private bank.

On July 22, 1815, Apolinario de la Cruz, also known as Hermano Pule, crusader of religious freedom, was born in Lukban, Tayabas (present day Quezon province) to Pablo de la Cruz and Juana Andres, who were both religious.

On July 22, 1993, President Fidel Ramos issued Proclamation No. 213 designating the last week of July of each year as Diabetes Awareness Week.

On July 23, 2004, the Sai building, a then 5-year old 8-story building on Padre Rada Street, in the heart of busy Divisoria in Manila collapsed at 4:40 p.m., crashing down on Italy Marketing building across the street.