Ramon Magsaysay

 
Third President of the Third Republic of the
Philippines
Term: December 30, 1953- March 17, 1957
 
 

Ramon Magsaysay known as the “the Guy” or “President of the Filipino

Masses”, born in Iba, Zambales on August 31, 1907 and second child of
Exequiel Magsaysay and Perfecta Del Fierro. As the 8th President of the
Philippines, he opens the door to the Filipino people wherein they are
given a chance to approach him directly and give them more freedom to
express they’re pain and sufferings. To this day his leadership and
kindness are the standard qualities that are looked up for Filipino
leaders.

He studied in University of the Philippines took up mechanical

engineering but ended up in Jose Rizal College with Commerce degree.
During his period, most of the political leaders are Spanish kin, only
Magsaysay was of Malay race, like the common people.

Magsaysay started as a mechanic in the Try-Tran Bus Company and

later up rise as the branch manager. He reached fame as an efficient
guerilla leader in World War II and was named as the military governor
of Zambales, Iba by General Douglas McArthur when the US freed the
Philippines.

He served as the Liberal Party Congress in Zambales from 1946-1950. It

was his first experience in politics. He becomes the instrumental
politician for having passed the GI Bill of Rights in the US Congress
wherein it will benefit the Filipino war veterans. President Elpidio
Quirno designates Magsaysay to become the secretary of defense to
handle the threat of the Huks which organize the People’s Liberation
army. He succeeded the campaign against the Hukbalahap using both the
military and political solutions. His campaign is considered as one of the
most successful anti-guerilla in modern history.

The huk realize that they cannot survive without support from the
people, he tried to win the peasants by giving them lands and tools to
those who will support the government and the army should treat the
people with respect. Reorganized the army by dismissing corrupt
officials, and trained them to become competent against the guerillas.
Because of his radical campaign, the huks were no longer a threat
though he made a lot of enemies within the government. He accused the
Quirino administration with corruption and incompetence, forcing him
to resign on Feb. 28.

In 1953 the Nacionalista party and Carlos Romulo supports Magsaysay

to run for President against Quirino although he was a Liberal candidate.
He won and become the 8th president of the Philippines. During his
administration he introduced major programs such as land reform, social
welfare and public works. He helped the peasants by establishing
agricultural credit and cooperative financing agency. Magsaysay is the
“President of the Peasants” but his plans were hindered by the other
politicians who favored the wealthy.

Magsaysay as a president was so simple and focused on helping the

common man. He remained a close friend and supporter of the United
States. He was also the vocal spokesperson against Communism during
the Cold War. He made the Philippines a member of SATO (Sotheast
Asia Treaty Organization), which was established in Manila on Sept. 8,
1954 and he organized Afro-Asian nations against world communism at
the Bandung Conference in Indonesia.

Ramon Magsaysay was married to the former Luz Banzon. He Died in a

plane crash in Cebu while campaigning for re-election. His vice
president, Carlos P. Garcia succeeded him.