risa hontiveros family- boyfriend, husband, children

Published on: September 12, 2024

Among these Filipino politicians and activists, Risa Hontiveros stands out because of her advocacy for health, women rights as well as social justice in the Philippines. But she has a beautiful story some of which is defined by love, family and courage to raise her children as single mum after losing her husband. Here is a closer look into her life, family history and continued dedication to public service.

Profile Summary

Full Name	Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel
Date of Birth	February 24, 1966
Place of Birth	Manila, Philippines
Address	Matandang Balara, Quezon City
Civil Status	Widowed (Francisco B. Baraquel Jr.)
Education	Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, Ateneo de Manila University (cum laude)
Children	Kiko, Issa, Ianna, Sinta
Occupation	Politician, Activist, Journalist
Political Party	Akbayan Party-list
Notable Achievements	Golden Dove Award for Best Female Newscaster (1994), TOYM Award for Peace Advocacy (2001)

Early Life and Education

Risa was born as Ana Theresia Navarro Hontiveros-Baraquel last February 24, 1966 in Manila Philippines in a politically active family where she developed an interest to take part of advocacy and community service. She went to the Ateneo de Manila University, where she graduated cum laude with a degree in Social Sciences. Politics was a part of European heritage that she had learned from all the activists and discourses occurring around… it inspired her to commit herself into public service, especially in health field compared with feminism issues.

A Family Legacy Of Service: The Hontiveros’

Risa Hontiveros was born into a prominent public service- and arts-oriented family. Her father, Atty. She was the granddaughter of Roxas City, Capiz-born Ramon Pardo Hontiveros a.o. and Sen./Associate Justice Jose Miraflores Hontiveros.

Risa’s extended family includes several notable figures:

Pia Hontiveros, her younger sister, is a respected journalist and television host.
Leah Navarro, her cousin, is a well-known singer and civil society advocate.
Dondon Hontiveros, the Vice Mayor of Cebu City, is also her cousin.
Luis Hontiveros, her nephew, gained fame as a contestant on Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7.
Daisy Hontiveros Avellana and Lamberto V. Avellana, her aunts and uncles, are celebrated National Artists for Theatre and Film.

The common thread linking this succession of talented public servants, artists and advocates is Risa herself — one who builds on her family’s labors by performing significant work in service to our society.

Love, Loss, and Motherhood

Risa Hontiveros’ former spouse is Robb Baraquel Francisco Jr., a Captain in the Philippine Constabulary. He adored an essay that Risa had written in her high school yearbook, so they soon began corresponding — and for life They started writing to one another, fell in love and were married a few years later I the 1990s. Francisco was a dedicated officer and alumni of The Corp, which he served as editor-in-chief at the Philippine Military Academy.

They had four children together: Kiko, Ianna, Issa and Sinta. Unfortunately, on May 11th of 2005, Francisco lost his battle to a heart attack brought about by the intensity of asthma. When her husband died, she was left a single mother with four children to care for all on her own and continued doing the political thing as well as working.

A Devoted Single Mother

To ease the personal pain, Risa continued to relate with utmost toughness while balancing motherhood between her responsibilities of a public figure. The mother of two has also been up front about the struggles she’s faced being a mom while working as an elected official. Over the years, she has always showed her great love and pride for all of her kids — they are truly a top focus in Kourtney’s life.

Neither Risa nor any source that follows her have ever stated anywhere in public domain announcing she has remarried or gotten with someone new since 2005, the year of which Danny Perino met his perfect time. Now, she concentrates on her family and senators works balancing amidst being a senator herself to be an also committed mother.

Career and Advocacy

Risa Hontiveros first entered public service as an Akbayan Party-list representative in the Philippine House of Representatives from 2004 to 2010. She was celebrated nationally for her decades-long crusade on health, women’s issues and social justice. She became even more significant in a legislative dimension when she helped author the Expanded Maternity Leave Law and Mental Health law legistations, which had both proven to be beneficial of countless Filipinos due to her efforts.

Risa was elected to the Philippine Senate in 2016, and she continues her service with passion. Her work in the Senate has merited her numerous accolades and recognition for being pro-Filipino.

Continuing the Legacy

Risa Hontiveros is more than just a public official, however; she stands for strength, perseverance and empathy. It is truly a measure of her character how she has handled both; being an exemplary public servant while never once shrinking from the proportionality long established by ancient Rabbis that education begins at home with Mom, first. From equal rights for women and creating a better system for mental health to being in the know with her children, Risa Dawson is always standing up for what she believes regardless of whether it’s personal or professional.

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FAQs-

Who are the sisters of Risa Hontiveros?

Risa Hontiveros has one sister, Pia Hontiveros, who is a well-known journalist and television host. Additionally, she has another sister named Gringgay Hontiveros.