WHAT HAVE BEEN THE LEGACIES LEFT TO US BY THE THIRD REPUBLIC

PRESIDENTS? WHAT HAVE BEEN THE LESSONS LEARNED FROM THEM, MOST OF ALL
CHOOSE ONE PRESIDENT AND TRY TO DISSECT THE PROGRAMS HE HAD
INTRODUCED AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY AND GOVERNANCE UP TO THE
PRESENT.

DO A MATRIX ON THE PRESIDENTS, THEIR LEGACIES THE LESSONS LEARNED FOR

THE CHOICE OF PRESIDENT FOCUS ON THE GOVERNANCE AND ECONOMIC
DECISIONS

● President Elpidio Quirino (1948-1953)

Legacies

1. Restoration of peace and stability in the aftermath of World War II and the Hukbalahap
insurgency.
2. Implementation of social justice and land reform programs to address socio-economic
inequalities.
3. Economic policies aimed at reconstruction, industrialization, and economic development.
4. Expansion of international relations and diplomacy, including the signing of the
Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) treaty.

Lessons Learned

1. The importance of post-war reconstruction and reconciliation in fostering national unity

and stability.
2. Need for comprehensive land reform programs to address rural poverty and social
unrest.
3. Imperative of economic development strategies to promote industrialization and
stimulate growth.

Analysis of Programs

1. Quirino's administration implemented land reform measures to distribute land to tenant

farmers and promote social justice. However, the effectiveness of these programs was
limited by challenges such as landowner resistance, inadequate support services, and
bureaucratic inefficiency.

2. Quirino pursued economic policies aimed at reconstruction, industrialization, and

economic development. His administration prioritized infrastructure projects, investment
incentives, and trade liberalization to stimulate growth and modernize the economy.
Impact on Economy and Governance

1. Quirino's economic policies contributed to economic growth, industrialization, and

modernization. However, challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and income
inequality persisted, highlighting the need for more inclusive development strategies.

2. Quirino's presidency was marked by efforts to promote social justice, economic

development, and international diplomacy. While progress was made in various areas,
challenges such as corruption, political instability, and social unrest remained significant.
Elpidio Quirino's presidency reflects a period of transition and nation-building in the
Philippines, characterized by efforts to rebuild the economy, promote social justice, and
strengthen international relations.

● President Ramon Magsaysay (1953-1957)

Legacies

1. Champion of the common people and advocate for social justice.

2. Successful campaign against communist insurgency through the "Magsaysay Magic"
approach, which involved community engagement, military reforms, and good
governance.
3. Strengthening of democratic institutions and promotion of transparency and
accountability in government.
4. Economic policies focused on rural development, agrarian reform, and infrastructure
projects.

Lessons Learned

1. The importance of responsive and accountable leadership in addressing the needs and
aspirations of the marginalized sectors of society.
2. Need for holistic approaches to counterinsurgency that address socio-economic
grievances and promote community participation.
3. Imperative of fostering transparency, integrity, and public trust in government institutions
to combat corruption and promote good governance.

Analysis of Programs

1. Magsaysay's approach to counterinsurgency involved not only military operations but

also community engagement, development projects, and efforts to address socio-
economic grievances. This holistic approach earned him widespread support and
contributed to the defeat of the communist Hukbalahap insurgency.
 2. Magsaysay prioritized rural development and agrarian reform to address rural poverty
and social unrest. His administration implemented programs to provide agricultural
credit, improve infrastructure, and distribute land to tenant farmers, aiming to stimulate
rural economies and empower rural communities.

Impact on Economy and Governance

1. Magsaysay's emphasis on rural development and agrarian reform contributed to

economic growth, poverty reduction, and social stability. By addressing the root causes
of insurgency and promoting inclusive development, his policies helped lay the
foundation for sustained economic progress.

2. Magsaysay's presidency was characterized by integrity, accountability, and

responsiveness to the needs of the people. His administration promoted transparency
and efficiency in government, earning public trust and support. While challenges
remained, such as political patronage and bureaucratic inefficiency, Magsaysay's
leadership set a standard for good governance.

Ramon Magsaysay's presidency exemplifies the transformative power of principled

leadership, community engagement, and inclusive development in addressing socio-economic
challenges and promoting democratic governance.

● President Carlos P. Garcia (1957-1961)

Legacies

1. Pursuit of the Filipino First Policy, which prioritized Filipino businesses and industries
over foreign interests.
2. Promotion of nationalism and self-reliance, encapsulated in the slogan "Filipino First."
3. Economic initiatives such as the "Austerity Program" to address budget deficits and
promote fiscal discipline.
4. Advocacy for cultural revival and promotion of Filipino identity through the "Barong
Tagalog" campaign.

Lessons Learned

1. The importance of economic nationalism in safeguarding national interests and

promoting local industries.
2. Need for prudent fiscal management and austerity measures to ensure fiscal
sustainability.
3. Imperative of cultural preservation and promotion to foster national identity and pride.
Analysis of Programs

1. Garcia's administration implemented policies to protect and promote Filipino businesses

and industries, including restrictions on foreign ownership and preferential treatment for
Filipino products. While it aimed to foster economic independence and self-reliance, it
also faced criticisms for inhibiting foreign investment and trade.

2. Garcia implemented austerity measures to address budget deficits and promote fiscal
discipline. These measures included reducing government spending, increasing revenue
collection, and implementing tax reforms to achieve fiscal stability. While it helped
address short-term fiscal challenges, it also led to social tensions and economic
slowdown.

Impact on Economy and Governance

1. Garcia's economic policies aimed to promote local industries, self-reliance, and fiscal
discipline. While they contributed to nationalistic sentiments and cultural revival, they
also faced challenges such as limited foreign investment, trade imbalances, and uneven
economic development.

2. His presidency emphasized nationalism, self-reliance, and cultural revival as pillars of

governance. While these ideals resonated with the Filipino people and promoted
national unity, they also faced criticisms for hindering economic growth and
development.

Carlos P. Garcia's presidency reflects a period of economic nationalism, cultural revival,

and fiscal austerity, highlighting the complexities of balancing national interests, economic
development, and governance priorities in a developing nation.

● President Diosdado Macapagal (1961-1965)

Legacies

1. Shift from the celebration of Philippine independence on July 4 to June 12.

2. Landmark agrarian reform through the Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963.
3. Economic stabilization measures, including currency devaluation and tariff reductions.
4. Initiatives to combat corruption and promote transparency in government.
Lessons Learned

1. The importance of symbolic gestures in fostering national identity and unity.

2. Need for bold reforms to address structural inequalities and promote social justice.
3. Imperative of sound economic policies to achieve macroeconomic stability and promote
economic growth.

Analysis of Programs

1. Macapagal's agrarian reform program aimed to distribute agricultural land to tenant

farmers and promote rural development. While it made progress in land redistribution,
implementation challenges and resistance from landed elites hindered its full realization.

2. Macapagal implemented policies such as currency devaluation and tariff reductions to

stabilize the economy and promote industrialization. These measures aimed to address
balance of payments deficits and stimulate export-led growth, laying the foundation for
economic development.

Impact on Economy and Governance

1. Macapagal's economic policies contributed to macroeconomic stability and laid the

groundwork for industrialization and export-led growth. However, challenges such as
income inequality, poverty, and agrarian unrest persisted, underscoring the need for
comprehensive development strategies.

2. Macapagal's administration prioritized transparency and anti-corruption efforts, including

the establishment of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to
recover ill-gotten wealth from the Marcos regime. While these initiatives aimed to
promote good governance, challenges such as political patronage and bureaucratic
inefficiency remained.

Diosdado Macapagal's presidency reflects a period of significant reforms and nation-

building efforts, emphasizing the importance of agrarian reform, economic stabilization, and
good governance in fostering inclusive development and national progress.

● President Ferdinand Marcos (1965-1986):

Legacies

1. Implementation of martial law, leading to authoritarian rule.

2. Infrastructure development through the "New Society" programs.
3. Massive corruption and human rights abuses.
 4. Economic policies such as the "Masagana 99" agricultural program and industrialization
efforts.

Lessons Learned

1. The dangers of unchecked executive power and authoritarianism.

2. Importance of accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights in governance.
3. Need for balanced economic policies that prioritize both infrastructure development and
equitable distribution of resources.

Analysis of Programs

1. The Masagana 99 introduced in 1973, this agricultural program aimed to achieve rice
self-sufficiency by providing farmers with high-yield seeds, fertilizers, and loans. While it
initially increased rice production, it led to environmental degradation and unequal
distribution of benefits, favoring wealthy landowners.

2. Industrialization Efforts during the Marcos era implemented import substitution

industrialization policies to promote domestic industries and reduce reliance on imports.
However, this led to inefficiencies, corruption, and a bloated bureaucracy. The economy
became heavily centralized, benefiting cronies and exacerbating income inequality.

Impact on Economy and Governance

1. While there were short-term gains in infrastructure and industrial output, Marcos'
economic policies contributed to long-term problems such as debt accumulation,
inflation, and income inequality. The economy became heavily reliant on foreign
borrowing, leading to a debt crisis in the 1980s.

2. Marcos' authoritarian rule undermined democratic institutions and civil liberties, resulting
in widespread human rights abuses and political repression. Corruption flourished under
his regime, leading to the plunder of national resources and the entrenchment of a
culture of impunity.

The legacy of Ferdinand Marcos underscores the importance of safeguarding

democracy, promoting inclusive economic growth, and upholding principles of good governance
to prevent the abuse of power and ensure sustainable development.