Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Ramon Magsaysay

Ramon Magsaysay Day of Remembrance is observed on March 17. Ramon Magsaysay served as the seventh President of the Philippines between 1953 and 1957. In the Philippines, the name Magsaysay is synonymous with altruism, fairness, honesty, and incorruptibility. After his passing, the Philippines established the Ramon Magsaysay Award, which is regarded as the “Nobel Prize of Asia.” All Filipinos are aware of Magsaysay’s record as a politician, civil servant, and humanitarian. During the Cold War, he is attributed with bringing peace, law, and order.

The background of Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Day

The birth of Ramon Magsaysay occurred on August 31, 1907. He enrolled at the University of the Philippines in 1927 to study engineering. Later, he transferred to the Institute of Commerce at ‘José Rizal’ College and earned a bachelor’s degree in business. Before entering the motor pool of the Philippine Army during World War II, Magsaysay was a car mechanic. Following the conflict, the United States Army appointed him military governor of Zambales. He was elected as a congressman for the Liberal Party in 1946 and served for two terms until 1950. These years served as his introduction to politics. Magsaysay, unlike the majority of Filipino political leaders of Spanish descent, was of Malay descent.

Magsaysay was designated Secretary of National Defense by President Elpidio Quirino, a position he used to reform the Philippine military and suppress the Communist-led Hukbalahap Rebellion. Offering former insurgents parole, homesteads, and medical care encouraged their surrender. Through the Economic Development Corps, Magsaysay constructed schools, hospitals, farms, and other buildings. Due to these endeavors, he gained the Filipino people’s favor and a reputation for honesty and morality. In 1953, he was selected as the Nacionalista Party’s presidential candidate, defeating incumbent Quirino.

Magsaysay attempted to reform the Philippines, but his efforts were thwarted by a congress that served the interests of the affluent. He was unable to enact land reform legislation, and his administration was indifferent to the plight of Filipino peasants. Until his untimely death in a plane crash on March 17, 1957, he maintained his reputation of incorruptibility, and the public continued to adore him. President Ferdinand Marcos issued Proclamation No. 15 in 1966, designating March 17 as Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Day.

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5 FACTS ABOUT RAMON MAGSAYSAY

Ramon Magsaysay served in the Western Luzon Guerrilla Forces for three years, playing a crucial role in driving the Japanese from the Zambales coast prior to the advent of American forces in 1945.

While pursuing engineering at the University of the Philippines, Magsaysay supported himself by working as a chauffeur.

Magsaysay was once the general manager of a Manila-based transportation enterprise.

Magsaysay was discharged from the Philippine Army with the rank of major on February 8, 1946.

Magsaysay’s funeral was witnessed by an estimated five million people, a testament to his popularity as a leader.

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RAMON MAGSAYSAY MEMORIAL DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	March 17	Friday
2024	March 17	Sunday
2025	March 17	Monday
2026	March 17	Tuesday
2027	March 17	Wednesday