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<img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources/reyes-aquino_t.webp" alt="Francisca Reyes-Aquino" />
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(Francisca Reyes-Aquino (Photo credit:  Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation))
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<p>
Francesca was the eldest of the three children of Felipe Reyes and Juliana Santos.  She had her early schooling at the Meisic Elementary School, Tondo Intermediate School and Manila High School in Tondo, Manila. She obtained her High School Teacher's Certificate (HSTC) in 1923, her Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1924 at the University of the Philippines (UP)  and her Master of Arts degree in 1926 also at the UP.
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<p>
In 1922, while still studying at the university, she worked as student assistant at its department of physical education. After graduating, she served 

there as instructor of physical education, then assistant physical director and, finally, as director in charge of women. In 1927, Dr. Jorge Bocobo; 

then UP president, sent her to the provinces to research on folk songs and dances. As a result, the university was able to exhibit Philippine dances 

at the Philippine Carnival Auditorium.
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In 1929, as a UP fellow, she took graduate courses in physical education at the Sargent College of Physical Education, Boston University, where she 

received her certificate in physical education in 1931. She also attended the summer session at Harvard University in 1930. Upon resuming her position 

at UP as Physical director for women in 1930, she continued her research.
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March 9, 1899, Francisca Reyes-Aquino was born in Lolomboy, Bocaue, Bulacan