Elpidio Quirino: A Leader in a Time of Crisis

Elpidio Rivera Quirino (1890–1956), who was the sixth President of the Philippines, came from a poor background and later reached the highest position in the country. He became president during a very hard time when the Philippines was rebuilding after World War II. He was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, and is considered a self-made man because he worked many small jobs like being a barrio teacher and a clerk just to pay for his schooling. After finishing Manila High School, Quirino studied law at the University of the Philippines and graduated in 1915, passing the bar exam in the same year. His background in law and early work as a private secretary of Manuel L. Quezon helped prepared him for public service even at a young age. His political career slowly grow in both legislative and executive branches.

He first entered politics as a Congressman of Ilocos Sur in 1919 and later became a Senator. His role became more important when he joined the Philippine independence mission to Washington, D.C. in 1934, where he helped in gaining approval of the Tydings–McDuffie Act that promised independence in 1946. During the Commonwealth government, he served as Secretary of Finance and also Secretary of the Interior. During World War II, Quirino experienced a painful personal tragedy when his wife and three children was killed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Even after this loss, he continued serving the country by becoming Vice President under Manuel Roxas and also acted as Secretary of Foreign Affairs when the Third Republic was declared in 1946.

Quirino became President in April 1948 after President Roxas died and later won the election in 1949. His administration mainly focus on rebuilding the nation through his “Fair Deal” Program which promotes social justice and fast industrial growth. Some of his achievements include securing war reparations from Japan, building major infrastructures like hydroelectric plants and irrigation systems, and starting a foreign policy that focuses on cooperation with Asian countries. He also hosted the Baguio Conference in 1950 to strengthen relationships among Southeast Asian nations. However, his presidency faced many problems such as the Hukbalahap communist rebellion and accusations of corruption in the government which eventually led to his defeat in the 1953 election. Even so, Quirino was able to guide the Philippines from post-war destruction into a stable and independent nation.