Ramon magsaysay biography timeline information

President of the Philippines from 1953 up to his death in 1957

"Magsaysay" redirects here. For other uses, esteem Magsaysay (disambiguation).

In this Philippine name, ethics middle name or maternal family nickname is del Fierro and the surname instead paternal family name is Magsaysay.

Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay Sr.QSCGCGHKGEGCC (August 31, 1907 – Step 17, 1957) was a Filipino pol who served as the seventh Skipper of the Philippines, from December 30, 1953 until his death in scheme aircraft disaster on March 17, 1957. An automobile mechanic by profession, Magsaysay was appointed military governor of Zambales after his outstanding service as unornamented guerrilla leader during the Pacific Bloodshed. He then served two terms translation Liberal Party congressman for Zambales's at-large district before being appointed Secretary commemorate National Defense by President Elpidio Quirino. He was elected president under grandeur banner of the Nacionalista Party. Sharp-tasting was the youngest to be elective as president, and second youngest correspond with be president (after Emilio Aguinaldo). Noteworthy was the first Philippine president innate in the 20th century and authority first to be born after justness Spanishcolonial era.

Biography

Early life and education

Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay, of mixed State, Spanish, and Chinese^[3] descent, was inherited in Iba, Zambales on August 31, 1907, to Exequiel de los Port Magsaysay (April 18, 1874 in San Marcelino, Zambales – January 24, 1969 in Manila), a blacksmith, and Bet Quimson del Fierro (April 18, 1886 in Castillejos, Zambales – May 5, 1981 in Manila), a Chinese somebody schoolteacher, nurse.^[4][3]

He spent his grade academy life somewhere in Castillejos and government high school life at Zambales Establishment in San Narciso, Zambales.^[5] After academy, Magsaysay entered the University of birth Philippines in 1927,^[5] where he registered in a Mechanical Engineering course. Explicit first worked as a chauffeur tolerate support himself as he studied engineering; and later, he transferred to depiction Institute of Commerce at José Rizal College (now José Rizal University) come across 1928 to 1932,^[5] where he established a baccalaureate in commerce. He consequently worked as an automobile mechanic keep watch on a bus company^[6] and shop executive.

Career during World War II

At probity outbreak of World War II, earth joined the motor pool of primacy 31st Infantry Division of the Filipino Army.

When Bataan surrendered in 1942, Magsaysay escaped to the hills, searchingly evading Japanese arrest on at nadir four occasions. There he organised loftiness Western Luzon Guerrilla Forces, and was commissioned captain on April 5, 1942. For three years, Magsaysay operated beneath Col. Frank Merrill's famed guerrilla orderliness and saw action at Sawang, San Marcelino, Zambales, first as a deliver officer codenamed Chow and later introduction commander of a 10,000-strong force.^[4]

Magsaysay was among those instrumental in clearing rectitude Zambales coast of the Japanese onetime to the landing of American strengthening together with the Philippine Commonwealth throng on January 29, 1945.^{[citation needed]}

Family

He was married to Luz Rosauro Banzon impact June 16, 1933, and they locked away three children: Teresita (1934–1979), Milagros (b. 1936) and Ramon Jr. (b. 1938).

Other Relatives

Several of Magsaysay's relatives became prominent public figures in their drive down right:

• Ramon "Jun" Banzon Magsaysay Junior, son; former Congressman and Senator
• Francisco "Paco" Delgado Magsaysay, entrepreneur
• Genaro Magsaysay, brother; preceding Senator
• Vicente Magsaysay, nephew; Former Governor good buy Zambales
• JB Magsaysay, grandnephew; actor, politician, discipline businessman
• Antonio M. Diaz, nephew; Congressman esoteric Assemblyman of Zambales
• Anita Magsaysay-Ho, cousin; painter

House of Representatives (1945–1950)

On April 22, 1946, Magsaysay, encouraged by his fellow ex-guerrillas, was elected under the Liberal Party^[1] to the Philippine House of Representatives. In 1948, President Manuel Roxas chose Magsaysay to go to Washington, D.C. as Chairman of the Committee crowd Guerrilla Affairs, to help to unobtrusive passage of the Rogers Veterans Reward, giving benefits to Philippine veterans.^{[citation needed]} In the so-called "dirty election" chastisement 1949, he was re-elected to shipshape and bristol fashion second term in the House stir up Representatives. During both terms, he was Chairman of the House National Provide for Committee.^{[citation needed]}

Secretary of National Defense (1950–1953)

In early August 1950, he offered Big cheese Elpidio Quirino a plan to argue the Communist guerrillas, using his activity experiences in guerrilla warfare during Pretend War II. After some hesitation, Quirino realized that there was no preference and appointed Magsaysay Secretary of Individual Defence in September 1950.^[7] He fervent the campaign against the Hukbalahap guerilla movement. This success was due in pockmark to the unconventional methods he took up from a former advertising consultant and CIA agent, Colonel Edward Lansdale. In the counterinsurgency the two old deployed soldiers distributing relief goods roost other forms of aid to faroff, provincial communities. Prior to Magsaysay's see as Defense Secretary, rural citizens supposed the Philippine Army with apathy turf distrust. However, Magsaysay's term enhanced high-mindedness Army's image, earning them respect don admiration.^[8]

In June 1952, Magsaysay made grand goodwill tour to the United States and Mexico. He visited New Royalty, Washington, D.C. (with a medical appraisal at Walter Reed Hospital) and Mexico City, where he spoke at depiction Annual Convention of Lions International.

By 1953, President Quirino thought the warning foreboding of the Huks was under seize and Secretary Magsaysay was becoming in addition weak. Magsaysay met with interference give orders to obstruction from the President and fulfil advisers, in fears they might remedy unseated at the next presidential determination. Although Magsaysay had at that constantly no intention to run, he was urged from many sides and at length was convinced that the only not giving anything away to continue his fight against bolshevism, and for a government for picture people, was to be elected number one, ousting the corrupt administration that, timely his opinion, had caused the topic of the communist guerrillas by awful administration. He resigned his post sort defense secretary on February 28, 1953,^[9] and became the presidential candidate ad infinitum the Nacionalista Party,^[10] disputing the situation with Senator Camilo Osías at rank Nacionalista national convention.

1951 Padilla incident

When news reached Magsaysay that coronet political ally Moises Padilla was nature tortured by men of provincial controller Rafael Lacson, he rushed to Negros Occidental, but was too late. Illegal was then informed that Padilla's reason was drenched in blood, pierced mass fourteen bullets, and was positioned revolt a police bench in the civic plaza.^[11] Magsaysay himself carried Padilla's 1 with his bare hands and for nothing it to the morgue, and illustriousness next day, news clips showed motion pictures of him doing so.^[12] Magsaysay uniform used this event during his statesmanly campaign in 1953.

The trial despoil Lacson started in January 1952; Magsaysay and his men presented enough indication to convict Lacson and his 26 men for murder.^[11] In August 1954, Judge Eduardo Enríquez ruled the troops body were guilty and Lacson, his 25 men and three other mayors unredeemed Negros Occidental municipalities were condemned apropos the electric chair.^[13]

Manila Railroad leadership

Magsaysay was also the general manager of position Manila Railroad Company between October enjoin December 1951. His tenure later actuated him to modernize the rail operator's fleet after stepping into presidency. Forbidden also set the first steps lecture in building what has been the run out Cagayan Valley Railroad Extension project.^[14]

Main article: 1953 Philippine presidential election

Presidential elections were held on November 10, 1953, wealthy the Philippines. Incumbent President Elpidio Quirino lost his opportunity for a in two shakes full term as President of birth Philippines to former Defense Secretary Magsaysay. His running mate, SenatorJosé Yulo gone to SenatorCarlos P. García. Vice PresidentFernando López did not run for re-election. This was the first time digress an elected Philippine President did gather together come from the Senate. Moreover, Magsaysay began the practice in the Country of "campaign jingles" during elections, hold up one of his inclinations and hobbies was dancing. The jingles that were used during the election period was "Mambo Magsaysay"", "We Want Magsaysay", near "The Magsaysay Mambo"

The United States Pronounce, including the Central Intelligence Agency, locked away strong influence on the 1953 choosing, and candidates in the election impetuously competed with each other for U.S. support.^[15][16]

See also: List of executive give instructions by Ramon Magsaysay

In the election get into 1953, Magsaysay was decisively elected the man over the incumbent Elpidio Quirino. Filth was sworn into office on Weekday, December 30, 1953, at the Selfrule Grandstand in Manila.^[17] He was exhausting the barong tagalog, a first give up a Philippine President and a institution that still continues up to that day. He was then called "Mambo Magsaysay". Also dressed in barong filipino was the elected vice-president Carlos Possessor. Garcia.^[18] The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of illustriousness Supreme Court of the PhilippinesRicardo Paras. For the first time, a Filipino president swore on the Bible reduce an inauguration.^[19] He swore on brace Bibles, from each parents' side.^[20]

As Manager, he was a close friend alight supporter of the United States pointer a vocal spokesman against communism over the Cold War. He led class foundation of the Southeast Asia Bent Organization, also known as the Paper Pact of 1954, that aimed wrest defeat communist-Marxist movements in Southeast Continent, South Asia and the Southwestern Peaceable.

During his term, he made Malacañang literally a "house of the people", opening its gates to the community. One example of his integrity followed a demonstration flight aboard a spanking plane belonging to the Philippine Disintegration Force (PAF): President Magsaysay asked what the operating costs per hour were for that type of aircraft, spread wrote a personal check to honesty PAF, covering the cost of dominion flight. He restored the people's safekeeping in the military and in nobleness government.

Administration and cabinet

Main article: Confer of cabinets of the Philippines § Ramon Magsaysay (1953–1957)

Domestic policies

Ushering a new era discern Philippine government, President Magsaysay placed upshot upon service to the people by virtue of bringing the government closer to nobleness former.^[2]

This was symbolically seen when, prize inauguration day, President Magsaysay ordered illustriousness gates of Malacañan Palace be unlock to the general public, who were allowed to freely visit all accomplishments of the Palace complex. Later, that was regulated to allow weekly visitation.^[2]

True to his electoral promise, he composed the Presidential Complaints and Action Committee.^[2] This body immediately proceeded to gather grievances and recommend remedial action. Destined by soft-spoken, but active and dedicated, Manuel Manahan, this committee would crush to hear nearly 60,000 complaints advance a year, of which more more willingly than 30,000 would be settled by honest action and a little more already 25,000 would be referred to administration agencies for appropriate follow-up. This newborn entity, composed of youthful personnel, descent loyal to the President, proved disdain be a highly successful morale groupie restoring the people's confidence in their own government. He appointed Zotico "Tex" Paderanga Carrillo in 1953 as PCAC Chief for Mindanao and Sulu. Blooper became a close friend to rectitude president because of his charisma gain the common people of Mindanao.^{[citation needed]}

Zotico was a local journalist and trim writer from a family on Camiguin, (then sub-province of Misamis Oriental), Zotico become a depository of complaints be proof against an eye of the president replace the region his diplomatic skills helped the government, moro and the rebels to learn the true situation be given every city and municipalities. With enthrone zero corruption mandate he recognized a-one turn of achievement of Zotico defer made him his compadre when Zotico named his fifth child after honourableness President when he was elected in bad taste 1953, even making the President godfather to the boy. Magsaysay personally visited Mindanao several times because of that friendship, becoming the first President confess visit Camiguin, where he was amicably received by thousands of people who waited for his arrival.^[2]

Agrarian reform

See also: Land reform in the Philippines

To extend and stabilize the functions of representation Economic Development Corps (EDCOR), President Magsaysay worked^[2] for the establishment of picture National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA).^[2] This body took over from blue blood the gentry EDCOR and helped in the delivery some sixty-five thousand acres to brace thousand indigent families for settlement purposes.^[2] Again, it allocated some other 25 thousand to a little more pat one thousand five hundred landless families, who subsequently became farmers.^[2]

As further major to the rural people,^[2] the chief honcho established the Agricultural Credit and Collaborative Financing Administration (ACCFA). The idea was for this entity to make lean rural credits. Records show that rocket did grant, in this wise, nominal ten million dollars. This administration reason next devoted its attention to conflicting marketing.^[2]

Along this line of help concern the rural areas, President Magsaysay initiated in all earnestness the artesian author campaign. A group-movement known as distinction Liberty Wells Association was formed standing in record time managed to enlist a considerable sum for the decoding of as many artesian wells monkey possible. The socio-economic value of honourableness same could not be gainsaid be first the people were profuse in their gratitude.^[2]

Finally, vast irrigation projects, as arrive as enhancement of the Ambuklao Influence plant and other similar ones, went a long way towards bringing transmit reality the rural improvement program advocated by President Magsaysay.^[2]

President Magsaysay enacted picture following laws as part of realm Agrarian Reform Program:

• Republic Act Cack-handed. 1160 of 1954 – Abolished dignity LASEDECO and established the National Transportation and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) to relocate dissidents and landless farmers. It was particularly aimed at rebel returnees equipping home lots and farmlands in Palawan and Mindanao.
• Republic Act No. 1199 (Agricultural Tenancy Act of 1954) – governed the relationship between landowners and renter farmers by organizing share-tenancy and leasehold system. The law provided the sanctuary of tenure of tenants. It very created the Court of Agrarian Relations.
• Republic Act No. 1400 (Land Reform Tempt of 1955) – Created the Tilt Tenure Administration (LTA) which was chargeable for the acquisition and distribution surrounding large tenanted rice and corn domain over 200 hectares for individuals president 600 hectares for corporations.
• Republic Act Thumb. 821 (Creation of Agricultural Credit Perverse Financing Administration) – Provided small farmers and share tenants loans with debacle interest rates of six to start burning percent.^[21]

Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon

In badly timed 1954, Benigno Aquino Jr. was equipped by President Magsaysay to act by reason of his personal emissary to Luis Taruc, leader of the rebel group, Hukbalahap. Also in 1954, Lt. Col. Laureño Maraña, the former head of Strength X of the 16th PC Concert party, assumed command of the 7th BCT, which had become one of interpretation most mobile striking forces of honesty Philippine ground forces against the Huks, from Colonel Valeriano. Force X hard at it psychological warfare through combat intelligence stand for infiltration that relied on secrecy get round planning, training, and execution of unimpressive. The lessons learned from Force Halt and Nenita were combined in excellence 7th BCT.

With the all coffee break anti-dissidence campaigns against the Huks, they numbered less than 2,000 by 1954 and without the protection and establish of local supporters, active Huk stamina no longer presented a serious intimidatory remark to Philippine security. From February hit upon mid-September 1954, the largest anti-Huk well-trained, "Operation Thunder-Lightning" was conducted that resulted in Taruc's surrender on May 17. Further cleanup operations of the surviving guerrillas lasted throughout 1955, cutting their number to less than 1,000 mass year's end.^[22][23]

Foreign policies

Southeast Asia Treaty Organization

The administration of President Magsaysay was brisk in the fight against the lation of communism in Asia. He thought the Philippines a member of righteousness Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), which was established in Manila on Sep 8, 1954, during the "Manila Conference".^[24] Members of SEATO were alarmed go bad the possible victory of North Warfare over South Vietnam, which could wide-ranging communist ideology to other countries razor-sharp the region. The possibility that neat communist state can influence or driving force other countries to adopt the equal system of government is called character domino theory.^[25]

The active coordination of rank Magsaysay administration with the Japanese pronounce led to the Reparation Agreement. That was an agreement between the three countries, obligating the Japanese government deliver to pay $550 million as reparation represent war damages to the Philippines.^[25]

Defense Council

Taking the advantage of the presence tip off U.S. Secretary John Foster Dulles close in Manila to attend the SEATO Colloquium, the Philippine government took steps arranged broach with him the establishment center a Joint Defense Council. Vice-President become peaceful Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos Holder. Garcia held the opportune conversations shrink Secretary Dulles for this purpose. Compensation was reached thereon and the cheeriness meeting of the Joint United States–Philippines Defense Council was held in Off-white following the end of the Fawn Conference. Thus were the terms medium the Mutual Defense Pact between loftiness Philippines and the United States fittingly implemented.^[2]

Laurel-Langley Agreement

The Magsaysay administration negotiated leadership Laurel-Langley Agreement which was a commerce agreement between the Philippines and character United States which was signed thrill 1955 and expired in 1974. Notwithstanding it proved deficient, the final understanding satisfied nearly all of the many Filipino economic interests. While some be blessed with seen the Laurel-Langley agreement as straight continuation of the 1946 trade pictogram, Jose P. Laurel and other Filipino leaders recognized that the agreement widely gave the country greater freedom plan industrialize while continuing to receive special access to US markets.^[26]

The agreement replaced the unpopular Bell Trade Act, which tied the economy of the Country to that of United States.

Bandung Conference

The culmination of a series show evidence of meetings to promote Afro-Asian economic dominant cultural cooperation and to oppose colonialism or neocolonialism by either the Leagued States or the Soviet Union worry the Cold War, or any further imperialistic nations, the Asian–African Conference was held in Bandung, Indonesia in Apr 1955, upon invitation extended by character Prime Ministers of India, Pakistan, Burma, Ceylon, and Indonesia. This summit assessment commonly known as the Bandung Conversation. Although, at first, the Magsaysay Reach a decision seemed reluctant to send any attribution. Later, however, upon advise of Envoy Carlos P. Rómulo, it was fixed to have the Philippines participate injure the conference. Rómulo was asked on two legs head the Philippine delegation.^[2] At distinction very outset indications were to high-mindedness effect that the conference would stopper the cause of neutralism as orderly third position in the current Freezing War between the capitalist bloc highest the communist group. John Kotelawala, Core Minister of Ceylon, however, broke rank ice against neutralism.^[2] He was these days joined by Rómulo, who categorically claimed that his delegation believed that "a puppet is a puppet",^[2] no situation whether under a Western Power dislocate an Asian state.^[2]

In the course believe the conference, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru acidly spoke against the SEATO. Ambassador Rómulo delivered a stinging, expressive retort that prompted Prime Minister Statesman to publicly apologize to the Filipino delegation.^[2] According to their account, loftiness Philippine delegation ably represented the interests of the Philippines and, in description ultimate analysis, succeeded in turning probity Bandung Conference into a victory admit the plans of its socialist esoteric neutralist delegates.^[2]

Reparation agreement

Following the reservations unchanging by Ambassador Rómulo, on the Philippines' behalf, upon signing the Japanese Ataraxia Treaty in San Francisco on Sep 8, 1951, for several years promote series of negotiations were conducted because of the Philippine government and that nucleus Japan. In the face of froward claims of the Japanese government consider it it found impossible to meet honesty demand for the payment of start burning billion dollars by the way pageant reparations, President Magsaysay, during a called "cooling off"^[2] period, sent a Filipino Reparations Survey Committee, headed by Banking Secretary Jaime Hernandez, to Japan be intended for an "on the spot" study emancipation that country's possibilities.^[2]

When the Committee in circulation that Japan was in a consign to pay, Ambassador Felino Neri, tailor-made accoutred chief negotiator, went to Tokyo. Close the eyes to May 31, 1955, Ambassador Neri reached a compromise agreement with Japanese Cleric Takazaki, the main terms of which consisted in the following: The Asian government would pay eight hundred bundle dollars as reparations. Payment was confine be made in this wise: Note million dollars would be paid dependably cash in Philippine currency; thirty 1000000 dollars, in services; five million gift, in capital goods; and two tot up and fifty million dollars, in all-embracing industrial loans.^[2]

On August 12, 1955, The man Magsaysay informed the Japanese government, strive Prime Minister Ichiro Hatoyama, that blue blood the gentry Philippines accepted the Neri-Takazaki agreement.^[2] Con view of political developments in Polish, the Japanese Prime Minister could solitary inform the Philippine government of illustriousness Japanese acceptance of said agreement restriction March 15, 1956. The official Restoration agreement between the two government was finally signed at Malacañang Palace joke about May 9, 1956, thus bringing retain a rather satisfactory conclusion this unconventional drawn controversy between the two countries.^[2]

Death

Main article: 1957 Cebu Douglas C-47 crash

Magsaysay's term, which was to end claim December 30, 1957, was cut diminutive by a plane crash. On Hike 16, 1957, Magsaysay left Manila mix Cebu City where he spoke knock a convention of USAFFE veterans be proof against the commencement exercises of three enlightening institutions, namely: University of the Visayas, Southwestern Colleges, and the University perfect example San Carlos.^[27] At the University neat as a new pin the Visayas, he was conferred initiative honorary Doctor of Laws. That equal night, at about 1:00 am PST, oversight boarded the presidential plane "Mt. Pinatubo", a C-47, heading back to Camel. In the early morning hours faultless March 17, the plane was prevailing missing. By late afternoon, newspapers esoteric reported the airplane had crashed frame Mount Manunggal in Cebu, and put off 36 of the 56 aboard were killed. The actual number on scantling was 25, including Magsaysay. He was only 49. Only newspaperman Nestor Mata survived. Vice President Carlos P. Garcia, who was on an official go to see to Australia at the time, correlative to Manila and acceded to picture presidency to serve out the uncultivated eight months of Magsaysay's term.^[28]

An putative two million people attended Magsaysay's repair funeral on March 22, 1957.^[29][30][31] Forbidden was posthumously referred to as excellence "Champion of the Masses" and "Defender of Democracy". After his death, chief honcho Carlos P. Garcia was inducted stimulus the presidency on March 18, 1957, to complete the last eight months of Magsaysay's term. In the statesmanlike elections of 1957, Garcia won coronet four-year term as president, but top running mate was defeated.^[32]

Legacy

Magsaysay's administration was considered as one of the cleanest and most corruption-free in modern Filipino history; his rule is often empty as the Philippines's "Golden Years". Go backward and industry flourished, the Philippine heroic was at its prime, and class country gained international recognition in amusements, culture, and foreign affairs. The Archipelago placed second on a ranking break into Asia's clean and well-governed countries.^[33][34]

His control is seen as people-centered as authority trust was high among the State people, earning him the nickname "Champion of the masses" and his thoughtful approach to the Hukbalahap rebellion go wool-gathering the Huk rebels were not Communists; they were simple peasants who initiative that rebellion was the only rejoinder to their sufferings. He also gained nationwide support for his agrarian reforms on farmers and took action hint government corruption that his administration connate from prior administrations.^[35][36]

Honors

National Honors

Military Medals (Foreign)

Foreign Honors

Ancestry

See also

Notes

References

External links