Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Ramon Magsaysay

Role / Field:

Seventh President of the Philippines; known for anti-communist stance and military leadership.

Born:

1907-08-31

Died:

1957-03-17

Century / Era:

1907s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay Sr. (August 31, 1907 – March 17, 1957) was a Filipino politician and military officer who was the seventh president of the Philippines, serving from 1953 until his death in 1957. An automobile mechanic by profession, Magsaysay was appointed military governor of Zambales after serving as a guerrilla leader during the Pacific War. He then served two terms as Liberal Party congressman for Zambales's at-large district before being appointed Secretary of National Defense by President Elpidio Quirino.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was eventually elected as president under the banner of the Nacionalista Party, the youngest to be elected to the position, and second youngest overall (after Emilio Aguinaldo). He was the first Philippine president born in the 20th century and the first to be born after the Spanish colonial era. Magsaysay died in a plane crash on March 17, 1957, in Cebu. His successor, Carlos P. Garcia, assumed the presidency.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He is the most recent Philippine president to have died in office. Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay, of mixed Tagalog, Visayan, Spanish, and Chinese descent, was born in Iba on August 31, 1907, to Exequiel Magsaysay...

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• 1907 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1907
• August 31 (08-31) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 31
• 1957 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1957
• March 17 (03-17) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on March 17

Frequently Asked Questions about Ramon Magsaysay