SOLITA AGUIRRE / PHILIPPINE CONSUL GENERAL

Consul opened doors to Filipinos

SEE ALSO: OBITUARIES

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By B.J. Reyes
breyes@starbulletin.com

Solita Marquez Aguirre, who served as Philippine consul general in Honolulu from 1992 to 1996, died last week after a lingering illness, officials said. She was 60.

Aguirre died July 19 in her hometown of Kawit, in the Philippine province of Cavite, said Philippine Consul General Rolando Gregorio in a news release. The nature of her illness was not released.

Aguirre is best remembered for having allowed hundreds of newly arrived Filipino veterans to stay at the Philippine consulate for several months in 1992 while they waited for their papers to be processed, Gregorio said.

FILE PHOTO / 1992
Consul General Solita M. Aguirre placed a wreath on the
bust of Jose Rizal at the Philippine Consulate in this
1992 photo. Aguirre died last week at age 60.

"As a lawyer-diplomat she saw to it that the veterans were granted their due benefits and privileges, particularly their entitlement to U.S. citizenship," he said.

Tessie Canilao, a staff member at the consulate who knew Aguirre, remembered her as a "very kindhearted person" and an effective public official.

"She was able to have a rapport not only with the Filipino-American community, but with the consular core of Hawaii -- the federal, state, city and county officials," Canilao said.

Aguirre also is remembered for beginning a beautification project for the consulate and for opening its doors to the community through an annual reception.

After leaving Hawaii, Aguirre served as the Philippine ambassador to Hungary.

Aguirre is survived by her husband, Alfonso Aguirre, and two daughters, Laura Aguinaldo and Sarah Aguirre.

A memorial Mass has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 800 Kaheka St. in Honolulu.