Benito Lo Kuchiam
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Vital Information
- Born: Unknown date in Lo-Choo-Village-Fujian-China (Lo Choo village, “Lo House” in Fukien dialect, Fujian province, China)
- Died: 1956 (after Betty’s college graduation)
- Occupation: Businessman (Copra Export), President of Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Daet
- Spouse: Ines-Chavez-Uy
- Children: Betty Chan (1935-2022), one son (name unknown, taken to China)
Family Background
Heritage and Village
- From Lo Choo village in Fujian province, China
- Village name means “Lo House” in Fukien dialect
- The village was named after his family, indicating significant ancestral prominence
- Son of a woman who later took Betty’s brother to China and did not allow him to return
Family in Philippines
- Married Ines-Chavez-Uy, a Chinese-Filipino woman from Albay province
- Had at least two children:
- Daughter: Betty Chan (born 1935)
- Son: Name not recorded, taken to China by Benito’s mother (Betty’s paternal grandmother) and not allowed to return to Philippines
Business Career
Copra Export Business
- Managed successful copra export business in Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines
- Exported copra to the United States
- Had large warehouse for copra storage behind his office
- Employed multiple workers including a Chinese cook who prepared meals for family and employees
Community Leadership
- President of Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Daet
- Respected business leader in the local Chinese community
- Wore a gun (common practice in China due to village conflicts)
Business Location
The family lived in a two-story house in Daet:
- Living quarters on second floor with large open sala
- Father’s office on ground floor
- Huge warehouse for copra storage behind office
- Employed Chinese cook and staff
World War II Experience
Refusal to Collaborate (1940s)
When Japanese soldiers invaded Daet with no resistance from local government, the Japanese Commander approached Benito and asked him to collaborate. He refused and secretly fled that same evening with his entire family.
Flight and Resistance
- Fled by small motorless boat to Mercedes fishing village
- Took family to island refuge where they hid in forest cave when Japanese soldiers approached
- Japanese took over his house and warehouse in Daet
- Japanese soldiers housed in his copra warehouse
- Lost his business and property to occupation
Manila Years (1942-1945)
- Decided to move family to Manila for better opportunities during occupation
- Rented three-story house in Binondo (Chinese district) beside river near Juan Luna bridge
- Japanese garrison was directly across the river
- Set up mahjong tables to earn income (“amateur version of a casino”)
- Supported extended family including his sister (Jimmy’s mother) and her husband
Post-War
- Family moved to mother’s hometown village after losing Daet property
- Eventually reestablished in Manila where Betty attended school and later married
Character and Values
Principles
- Refused collaboration with Japanese occupiers despite personal risk and loss of property
- Prioritized family safety over business interests
- Made difficult decision to flee immediately when approached by Japanese
Business Acumen
- Built successful export business
- Rose to leadership position in Chinese Chamber of Commerce
- Adapted during wartime by finding alternative income sources (mahjong tables)
- Supported extended family during difficult times
Traditional Practices
- Wore a gun (common in China due to village conflicts)
- Maintained Chinese cultural practices in Philippines
- Part of Chinese diaspora business community
Death and Legacy
Died in 1956, shortly after Betty’s college graduation. His death created a time-sensitive situation for Betty’s marriage engagement due to Chinese tradition requiring engagement within 100 days of a parent’s death or waiting two years.
Timeline
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Sources
Research Needed
- Full birth date
- Full death date and death place (Manila? Daet?)
- Name of son taken to China
- Fate of son - did he survive in China?
- Marriage date to Ines Chavez Uy
- Parents’ names (Betty’s paternal grandparents)
- Siblings
- Details of copra business founding
- What happened to business after his death
- Photos
- Chinese name/characters for Lo Kuchiam
- More details about his role in Chinese Chamber of Commerce
- Property/business records from Daet
Historical Significance
Benito Lo Kuchiam’s story represents:
- Chinese diaspora business community in Philippines
- WWII resistance - refused collaboration with Japanese occupiers
- Wartime displacement - lost business and property to occupation
- Family sacrifice - chose family safety over business interests
- Post-war recovery - rebuilt life in Manila after losing everything
- Cultural bridge - Chinese businessman in Filipino community, married Chinese-Filipino wife
- Legacy of education - ensured daughter received mathematics degree despite financial challenges
His refusal to collaborate with Japanese occupiers, despite the certain loss of his business and property, demonstrates the principled stance many Chinese-Filipino business leaders took during the occupation.