The Birth Anniversary of President Ramon Magsaysay is celebrated every August 31 to honor the Philippines’ seventh President. Before taking his oath in 1953, he worked as a bus mechanic and defended his country during World War II. Magsaysay was an exceptional politician and statesman. He was made the military governor of Zambales because of his extraordinary service during the Pacific War. August 31 is a nationwide holiday in the Philippines where people fondly remember Magsaysay, who became known as the “Champion of the Masses” after his death.
History of Birth Anniversary of President Ramon Magsaysay
Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay, Sr. was born to Exequiel Magsaysay y de los Santos, a blacksmith, and Perfecta del Fierro y Quimson, a schoolteacher, in 1907. Magsaysay spent his childhood in Castillejos, Zambales, before enrolling in the University of the Philippines in 1927. Later, he worked as an automobile mechanic and fought against Japanese soldiers during World War II. Part of the famous guerrilla group that operated under Colonel Merrill, he was a supply officer prior to leading 10,000 guerrilla soldiers. They played a major role in wiping out the Japanese forces along the Zambales coast.
In 1946, Magsaysay began his political career when he joined the Liberal Party. Over the next decade, he was a key player in strategizing to fight communist guerrillas and contributed to advancements in the railroad network. Even after his tenure as the general manager of Manila Railroad Company, he continued his work in the railways after being elected President in 1953. Nicknamed Mambo Magsaysay, he played an essential role in instituting land reforms and making the Philippines a member of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). Often referred to as the golden years, Magsaysay’s tenure as President is considered one of the cleanest and corruption-free periods in Philippine history.
His term came to a premature end following his death in 1957. On the way back to Manila after speaking at educational institutes in Cebu City, Magsaysay’s plane crashed, and he was among the passengers who perished.
Birth Anniversary of President Ramon Magsaysay timeline
Magsaysay was born in Iba, Zambales.
Magsaysay takes his chances in politics by joining the Liberal Party.
Magsaysay’s administration brings land reforms, modernizes the railroad network, and establishes international relations with other SEATO countries.
Magsaysay passes away following an airplane crash.
Birth Anniversary of President Ramon Magsaysay FAQs
What is the Ramon Magsaysay Award?
The Ramon Magsaysay Award is given to those who work to improve the welfare of the people and display virtue in governance. This award was created in memory of Ramon Magsaysay, the seventh president of the Philippines.
Who replaced Ramon Magsaysay?
After Magsaysay’s tenure abruptly ended after a plane crash, he was succeeded by Vice President Carlos P. Garcia.
Who was the first Indian to receive the Magsaysay Award?
The first Indian to receive the Magsaysay Award was human rights activist Vinoba Bhave. He was also one of the first awarded after its inception in 1958.
How to Observe Birth Anniversary of President Ramon Magsaysay
Learn more about Magsaysay
Magsaysay was a good politician and a greater human being. Many Filipinos regard him as the People’s President. Read more about his life to honor his memory.
Share his legacy with others
Help Magsaysay’s legacy live on by telling your friends about the day’s importance. See what lessons you can learn from his time in government and apply them to your life.
Review Philippine history
Take the day to learn about important historical and political events. Magsaysay played a role in many significant decisions that shaped the fate of the Philippines. See how these decisions impacted the nation’s current state.
5 Facts About The Philippines That Will Blow Your Mind
It has many islands
There are 7,641 islands in the Philippine archipelago.
It has a sizeable Catholic population
The Philippines has the third-largest Roman Catholic population in the world.
There are about 187 languages
The Philippines is a diverse country with around 187 languages nationwide.
It has the biggest malls
The Philippines has some of the world’s largest malls in the world.
It was a Spanish colony
The Philippines was under Spanish rule for 333 years before the Philippine Revolution occurred in 1898.
Why Birth Anniversary of President Ramon Magsaysay is Important
We get a glimpse of Magsaysay’s life
This day gives us a chance to look back at one of the Philippines’ most loved presidents. It gives us a glimpse into Magsaysay’s adventurous life — from being a guerrilla leader to becoming the country’s President.
It gives us hope
Magsaysay was the son of a blacksmith and a teacher, yet nothing stopped him from achieving what he wanted. Also, Ramon was the people’s beloved. People like him restore our faith in government officials.
We learn more about Philippine history
The Birth Anniversary of President Ramon Magsaysay is a reminder of historical and political events that shaped the nation. It’s important to remember the people who made the Philippines what it is today.
Birth Anniversary of President Ramon Magsaysay dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 31 | Sunday |
| 2026 | August 31 | Monday |
| 2027 | August 31 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | August 31 | Thursday |
| 2029 | August 31 | Friday |
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