March 17 in History
1957 – A plane crash in Cebu, Philippines kills Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay and 24 others
Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay, Sr. (August 1907 – March 1957) served as the seventh and most honourable president of the Philippines, from December 30, 1953 until his death in an aircraft disaster on this day in 1957. An automobile mechanic by profession, he was the first Philippine president born in the 20th century and the first to be born after the Spanish colonial era. During his term, he made Malacañang literally a ‘house of the people’, opening its gates to the public. One example of his integrity followed a demonstration flight aboard a new plane belonging to the Philippine Air Force (PAF): President Magsaysay asked what the operating costs per hour were for that type of aircraft, then wrote a personal check to the PAF, covering the cost of his flight. He restored the people’s trust in the military and in the government. Magsaysay’s administration was considered one of the cleanest and most corruption-free in modern Philippine history; his rule is often cited as the Philippines’s ‘Golden Years’. Trade and industry flourished, the Philippine military was at its prime, and the country gained international recognition in sports, culture, and foreign affairs. The Philippines was placed second on a ranking of Asia’s clean and well-governed countries.
An estimated two million people attended Magsaysay’s state funeral on March 22, 1957. He was posthumously referred to as the ‘Champion of the Masses’ and ‘Defender of Democracy’. The Magsaysay Award, Asia’s premier and highest honour, was introduced in 1957 celebrating Magsaysay’s memory and leadership example. It is given to individuals or organizations in Asia who manifest the same selfless service and transformative influence that ruled the life of the late and beloved Filipino leader.
-Wikipedia
Photo Caption – Magsaysay takes his oath of office as the 7th President of the Philippines on December 30, 1953 – Wikipedia