Ramon Magsaysay was one of the most charismatic presidents of the Philippines. His motto was to bring freedom and progress to rural communities. He was the first president to take the oath of office wearing traditional Filipino attire, promoting positive nationalism. As secretary of defense, Magsaysay successfully led campaigns against the communist Huk rebellion through economic development programs that encouraged rebels to surrender. As president, he continued rural development programs, suppressed the communist threat, and improved relations with the United States and Japan. However, some criticized that his popularity spoiled citizens and made them overdependent on the government.

1. Ramon Magsaysay
Ramon Ma
Ramon Magsaysay
Ramon Magsaysay

2. • Motto: Bring freedom and progress to the
barrios
• First to take presidential Oath wearing Barong
Tagalog, promoting “Positive Nationalism”
– Wearing Barong Tagalog at Formal Occasions and
using Filipino Language.
• One of the most charismatic president.

3. • Nacionalista Party
• Economic & Social agenda focused on
countryside development esp. far far away
barrios.

4. • (HUKbong Bayan LAban sa mga HAPon ), A pro-
communist guerrilla government that help fight
against the Japanese during WWII.
• Roxas attempted to solve the Huk menace by
force[FAIL], while E. Quirino issued suspension to
“Writ of Habeas Corpus” as primary step in
dealing the problem.
• Later appointed Zambales Congressman
Magsaysay as Sec. of Defense. Anti-HUK
campaign was a success.

5. • Magsaysay established Economic Dev’t
Corporation – provided means of livelihood
for HUK members who returned to the
government’s fold. Was successful.
• Success = Magsaysay’s fame.

6. • Brought Government and people close, restoring
democratic faith to society.
• Suppressed Philippines’ communist threat.
• Barrio radical improvement.
• Signed “Reparations Agreement” w/ Japan to
make Jp pay Ph for WWII damages.
• Active part in ratification of SanFrancisco Peace
Treaty, formally ending Japan war.
• Re-negotiation of RP-US trade relations, resulting
to Langley-Laurel Agreement signed at 1956.

7. • Was formed in 1954 under Magsaysay regime.
• SEATO called for:
– economic cooperation among member nations.
– Combined mil. Effort in face of armed attack.
– Counter-activity vs. external subversive actions
directed towards territorial integrity, political stability
of member nations. (read: anti-rebellion)
• Member nations approved the Pacific Chapter
• Affirmed equal rights and self-determination of people
• FAILED by lukewarm commitments of some
member nations.

8. • Magsaysay campaign expenses paid by CIA to
return favor and support American interests in
Philippines.
• Conservatives accused him of turning the
Malacañang Palace to marketplace/cockpit arena
due to unrestricted public access.
• Made citizens believe that the country does
everything for them due to Magsaysay partly
“spoiled” the masses leading to over
dependence.