Carmen de Luna | |
|---|---|
 Liberada Avelino (left) with de Luna in 1911 | |
| Born | Carmen de Luna Villajuan July 16, 1873 |
| Died | November 4, 1962 (aged 89) |
| Nationality | Filipina |
| Occupation(s) | teacher, school founder |
| Years active | 1907–1962 |
Carmen de Luna Villajuan (July 16, 1873 – November 4, 1962) was a Filipina educator and co-founded the Centro Escolar University. After completing her own education to train as a teacher, de Luna taught at the private school run by Librada Avelino in Manila and the Pandacan Public Girls' School. In 1907, the two women, along with Fernando Salas founded the Centro Escolar de Señoritas, as a non-sectarian educational facility for girls. Acting as assistant director from 1907 to 1934, she assumed the directorship upon Avelido's death and led the university until her own death in 1962.
For her work with civic and charitable organizations and lifelong commitment to education, de Luna was honored with the Philippine Presidential Medal of Merit, the Vatican's Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, as well as recognition from Spain for her work in preserving Spanish culture and language. A historical marker in recognition of her was placed at the Centro Escolar University by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.