Doña Patria Elvira Beltré 1927 – 2021
Early Life
Born in Padre Las Casas on February 19, 1927, daughter of Emilio Beltré and Alicia Lebron. In a humble yet respected family known for the art of eloquent speech, Doña Patria distinguished herself from a young age by her sensitivity toward the underprivileged, the poor, and those who had less—whether members of her own family or anyone in the community.
Passion for Art and Community
Together with her brother, Bolívar Beltré, and a group of young students, she formed a theater troupe in the 1960s that prepared artistic and cultural performances. Among their most notable works was the dramatization of the crucifixion of Jesus, performed both in town and in the surrounding countryside, with the noble purpose of raising funds for the most needy of the Parish of Our Lady of Carmen. Together with Beatriz Aristy y Margarita Fernandez, they organized the Fiestas del 16 de Julio. They were the first to have the idea of bringing to the fiesta el Palo Ensebado which became a tradition. Additionally, Patria would ask for donations so she can make the big Judas effigy, and then they would walk to el calvario and burn the effigy.
Emigration and Tireless Work
In the 1970s, Doña Patria emigrated to the United States in search of work to support and provide an education for her two teenage daughters—both of whom are now professionals, proud of their mother’s legacy. Once in New York, she worked tirelessly, day after day, like all those from Padre Las Casas who aspire to provide a better future for their families, eventually obtaining her residency and later that of her daughters.
Despite the demanding work and the responsibility of raising and educating her daughters in a difficult environment, she always found time to help form charitable associations to support the poor of her hometown. Alongside Braudilio Calderón, Ramón Hinojosa, Flavia Vicente, Nery Germán, Saro Veloz and his wife, among others, she founded the Padre Las Casas Social and Cultural Club, whose mission was to raise funds to assist those in need within the community. Many people benefited from this club—whose names are not mentioned here out of respect for their privacy. On several occasions, Doña Patria was among those who organized street fundraisers in town to help families pay for the burial of their loved ones.
Solidarity in the Face of Disaster
When the devastating Cyclone David struck the Dominican Republic in 1979, causing great destruction in the region, especially in the Ocoa area where hundreds of people died and entire families disappeared, Doña Patria arrived eight days after the disaster, bringing clothing, medicine, and money collected from the Padre Las Casas community in New York through the aforementioned club. All these supplies were delivered to Mrs. Gladis Moreno, who was in charge of distributing them among the victims in Ocoa, the area most affected by the tragedy.
Return and Political Commitment
After approximately 20 years of hard work in New York, and while remaining active in her party’s meetings, Doña Patria returned to Padre Las Casas, continuing her natural inclination to help those in need. From the early days of the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), she served as councilwoman and later as deputy mayor. In both roles, she worked tirelessly, always thinking of the poor and of her party. Together with Isidora Cruz Segura, she helped secure a bus to transport students from Ocoa and Villa Los Indios to the high schools in the urban area, as well as another for students from Guayabal—achieved through the Ministry of the Interior and Police, with Franco Badía as head of the department.
Compassion and Community Action
As a Pro-Comunidad supervisor, and thanks to the mediation of Doña Peggy Cabral, she obtained resources to improve the stream that runs through the town hall area. Peggy Cabral even nominated her for the position of Governor of Azua Province, but Doña Patria, aware of her age and limitations, humbly declined.
She maintained a close friendship with José Francisco Peña Gómez for many years and was respected even by her political opponents. She appointed as hospital ambulance driver a young man from the Reformist Party, ensuring that the vehicle was well maintained—unlike in other administrations where vehicles quickly fell into disrepair. Thanks to her management, the ambulance remained in excellent condition and served the community effectively for many years.
Through the municipal government, she obtained a small piece of land and, with help from local citizens, built a modest home for Bolo (deceased) and Sergio—two orphaned brothers with disabilities who lived in extreme poverty. She continued to care for them, providing food and clothing. Institutions such as Sur Futuro also collaborated by donating Christmas baskets, which she distributed among those who had nothing. Wenceslao Paniagua was another of her closest collaborators; during the holidays, he collected funds to send to the town’s elderly so they could enjoy Christmas dinner.
On several occasions, she donated important books to the local high school library as well as to the Sur Futuro and Municipal libraries. She was a founding member of La Casa del Estudiante in Santo Domingo, which houses dozens of students from Padre Las Casas. She regularly contributed financially to ensure its continued operation, supporting the education and professional development of young people who found shelter there.
Through her efforts, she also co-founded the Amaury Germán Aristy Committee, which remains active and continues to host commemorative events on the dates of his birth and death, honoring this hero from Padre Las Casas. These events are held both in town and in Santo Domingo.
Selfless Generosity
Doña Patria gave clothes, shoes, and other items to shoeshine boys and anyone in need, without any political motivation. On each of her trips to the United States, she would collect donations from friends and family—especially from her son-in-law Tito Wilson Alcántara, her main supporter, as well as her granddaughters Jessenia and Sarah, her grandsons Christian, Jerryn, and Gerardo, and her daughters Arelis and Dr. Cecilia, along with her husband, Gerardo Arturo Leger. With great dedication, she gathered clothing, shoes, sneakers, and other essentials for those less fortunate.
Commitment to the Community: Patria Elvira Beltré and FEDOMUSDE
Patria Elvira Beltré played an important role in the Federation of Dominican Women in Municipal Government (FEDOMUSDE). During her leadership, she worked to empower women in politics and local administration, promoting their active participation in decision-making at the municipal level. Various initiatives were carried out that contributed to the development and strengthening of women in public service, emphasizing the importance of their role in Dominican society.
Initiatives and Impact of Patria Elvira Beltré in FEDOMUSDE
During her participation in FEDOMUSDE, Patria Elvira Beltré implemented several important initiatives to strengthen women’s involvement in politics and improve their conditions in different communities.
Key Initiatives
- Training and Education: She organized leadership and municipal management workshops to prepare women to assume leadership roles in their communities.
- Support Network: She promoted the creation of a network of local women leaders, fostering collaboration and exchange of experiences.
- Gender Policy Advocacy: Under her leadership, there was a strong push for public policies that benefited women and addressed gender inequality at the municipal level.
- Awareness Campaigns: She led efforts to raise awareness about the importance of women’s political participation, helping to shift social perceptions and encourage more women to get involved.
Community Impact
- Increased Female Participation: Her work contributed to a notable rise in the number of women holding municipal positions, leading to more equitable representation in local decision-making.
- Economic Empowerment: Her initiatives also supported women’s economic independence through entrepreneurship and microcredit programs.
- Social Awareness: Awareness of women’s rights increased, helping to reduce gender-based violence and related social issues.
Her work with FEDOMUSDE left a significant mark on gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Dominican Republic.
Strengthening Gender Identity
- Community Education: She promoted educational programs addressing gender roles, challenging stereotypes, and encouraging equality.
- Participation in National Events: Patria Beltré helped women from diverse communities participate in national and international events, raising their visibility and connecting them to broader networks.
Innovation in Local Projects
- Women’s Entrepreneurship: She implemented projects supporting women’s entrepreneurship, providing access to microcredit and business training.
- Strategic Partnerships: She built alliances with NGOs, businesses, and government entities to create programs supporting women’s advancement.
Long-Term Results
- Shift in Perception: Her leadership helped change how communities viewed women in power, inspiring more women to seek public office.
- Role Model: Her work inspired new generations of women to engage in local politics, creating a lasting cycle of empowerment and participation.
An Enduring Legacy
Patria Elvira Beltré consistently helped those in need with medicine, clothing, and financial aid. She never allowed a poor person to leave her doorstep empty-handed—she always had something to give.
For her generosity, honesty, and selflessness—as well as for being an exemplary mother, hardworking woman, and tireless community advocate—Doña Patria Elvira Beltré left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy of love and commitment continues to inspire generations in Padre Las Casas and beyond.
Part of this account was adapted from the biography written by La Voz Tubanera — https://lavoztubanera.blogspot.com/?m=1
