Who was Ramon Magsaysay? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Ramón del Fierro Magsaysay, Ramón

Died At Age: 49

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Luz Magsaysay

father: Exequiel Magsaysay

mother: Perfecta del Fierro y Quimson

children: Jr., Milagros, Ramon Magsaysay, Teresita Banzon-Magsaysay

Born Country: Philippines

Presidents Political Leaders

Died on: March 17, 1957

place of death: Balamban

More Facts

education: 1932 - José Rizal University, University of the Philippines

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1

What were the key policies and programs implemented by Ramon Magsaysay during his presidency?

Ramon Magsaysay focused on agrarian reform, anti-corruption measures, and promoting economic development in rural areas. He also prioritized improving the living conditions of the poor and fighting against communist insurgency.
2

How did Ramon Magsaysay contribute to the peace and stability in the Philippines during his presidency?

Ramon Magsaysay successfully led military campaigns against communist rebels and established a strong relationship with the United States, which helped in maintaining peace and stability in the country.
3

What was the significance of Ramon Magsaysay's presidency in Philippine history?

Ramon Magsaysay's presidency is remembered for his commitment to good governance, integrity, and his efforts to uplift the lives of the Filipino people. He is often regarded as a popular and effective leader who brought about positive changes in the country.
4

How did Ramon Magsaysay address issues of corruption and inefficiency in the Philippine government?

Ramon Magsaysay implemented various anti-corruption measures, such as promoting transparency, accountability, and meritocracy in government institutions. He also encouraged public participation and engagement in governance to combat corruption.
5

What was the impact of Ramon Magsaysay's "Filipino First Policy?"

Ramon Magsaysay's "Filipino First Policy" aimed to prioritize Filipino interests in economic matters, which led to the promotion of local industries, job creation, and economic growth in the country. This policy helped in reducing dependence on foreign influences and boosting national development.

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Childhood & Early Life

Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay was born in Iba, Zambales, Philippine Islands, on August 31, 1907 to Exequiel Magsaysay y de los Santos, a blacksmith, and Perfecta del Fierro y Quimson, a schoolteacher.

He attended high school at Zambales Academy in San Narciso, Zambales and entered the University of the Philippines in 1927, to study a pre-medical course.

From 1928 to 1932, he studied at the Institute of Commerce at José Rizal College, where he received a baccalaureate in commerce.

Ramsaysay worked as an automobile mechanic in a bus company in Florida and shop superintendent to support himself.

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Filipino Political Leaders

Career

After the World War II broke out, he joined the motor pool of the 31st Infantry Division of the Philippines Army.

In 1942, he had to stay in hiding from the Japanese forces. During this time, he organized the Western Luzon Guerrilla Forces, and was elected captain on April 5, 1942.

He acted as a supply officer in Col. Merrill's famed guerrilla outfit and later as commander of a 10,000 strong force. Magsaysay was among those active in clearing the Zambales coast of the Japanese before the landing of American forces in 1945.

On April 22, 1946, Magsaysay was elected to the Philippine House of Representatives under the banner of the Liberal Party.

In 1948, he was chosen as chairman of the Committee on guerrilla affairs. He went to Washington to ensure that the Philippine veterans are granted rights in the Rogers Veterans Bill.

In the 1949 election, he was re-elected to a second term in the House of Representatives as the Chairman of the House National Defense Committee.

During the rise of communist guerrillas, Ramon Magsaysay offered President Elpidio Quirino a plan to fight against them so the former appointed him the Secretary of National Defence on August 31, 1950.

In June 1952, Magsaysay made a goodwill tour to Washington, D.C. , New York, and Mexico.

On February 28 1953, he resigned as defense secretary and decided to run for the seat of the president under the Nacionalista Party.

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On November 10, 1953 the elections were held and Magsaysay defeated opponent Elpidio Quirino to become the new president of the Philippines.

During his term as the president, Ramon Magsaysay laid the foundation of the Manila Pact of 1954, created to defeat communist-Marxist movements in South East Asia, South Asia and the Southwestern Pacific.

In early 1954, President Magsaysay appointed Benigno Aquino, Jr. as personal emissary to Luís Taruc, leader of the Hukbalahap, a communist guerrilla group.

From February to mid-September 1954, Magsaysay carried out the largest anti-Huk operation, "Operation Thunder-Lightning" that led to the capture of Luis Taruc on 17 May.

Awards & Achievements

During Magsaysay’s administration, Philippines became Asia’s second cleanest and well-governed country. His tenure is often referred to as the Philippines' Golden Years.

Magsaysay’s Presidential Complaints and Action Committee heard nearly 60,000 complaints in a year, and settled more than 30,000 through direct action and a little more than 25,000 through government agencies.

Magsaysay established the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) which granted about sixty-five thousand acres to three thousand poor families for settlement purposes.

He also established the Agricultural Credit and Cooperative Financing Administration (ACCFA) to make available rural credits of almost ten million dollars.

Magsaysay initiated the formation of Liberty Wells Association that managed to raise a considerable sum for the construction of artesian wells for the development of agrarian sector.

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March 17, 1958 Ramon Magsaysay was awarded the Golden Heart Presidential Award posthumously.

He received the Order of the White Elephant (April 1955) from the government of Thailand and the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Cambodia (January 1956) from the government of Cambodia.

Personal Life & Legacy

He married Luz Magsaysay On June 16, 1933 and they had three children - Teresita Banzon-Magsaysay, Milagros Banzon-Magsaysay, and Ramon Banzon-Magsaysay, Jr.

On March 16, 1957, while coming back from Cebu City to Manila, Magsaysay died when the presidential plane crashed on Mt. Manunggal in Cebu.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award is an annual award, established in April 1957 by the trustees of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund to continue Ramon Magsaysay's exemplary integrity in governance, brave service to the nation, and realistic idealism in a democratic society.

Facts About Ramon Magsaysay

Ramon Magsaysay was known for his simple lifestyle and humility. Despite being the President of the Philippines, he preferred to live in a modest government-owned house rather than the grand presidential palace.

Magsaysay was a skilled pilot and enjoyed flying planes in his free time. He often took to the skies to relax and unwind from the pressures of his political duties.

One of Magsaysay's favorite pastimes was playing the harmonica. He was known to carry one with him wherever he went and would often play tunes for his friends and colleagues.

Magsaysay was a devoted family man and frequently made time for his wife and children despite his busy schedule. He valued family above all else and considered them his source of strength and inspiration.

Ramon Magsaysay Biography

You wanted to know

What were the key policies and programs implemented by Ramon Magsaysay during his presidency?

How did Ramon Magsaysay contribute to the peace and stability in the Philippines during his presidency?

What was the significance of Ramon Magsaysay's presidency in Philippine history?

How did Ramon Magsaysay address issues of corruption and inefficiency in the Philippine government?

What was the impact of Ramon Magsaysay's "Filipino First Policy?"