Who Is Ramon Magsaysay? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Ramon Magsaysay was born on August 31, 1907, making him 117 years old as of 2025. A distinguished statesman, he served as the 7th President of the Philippines from 1953 until his untimely death in 1957. Renowned for his down-to-earth personality and dedication to the Filipino people, Magsaysay's presidency focused on the reform of social injustice and the promotion of the common man's rights. His legacy continues to influence Filipino politics and governance.
Wikipedia: Ramon Magsaysay
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 31, 1907 |
| Age | 49 Years |
| Birth Place | Iba, Zambales, Philippine Islands |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Philippines |
| Date of death | 17 March, 1957 |
| Died Place | Balamban, Cebu, Philippines |
Popularity
Ramon Magsaysay's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific data on Ramon Magsaysay's height and weight as an elderly figure are limited due to the era he lived in, historical records indicate that he was of average height for Filipino men during his time. Magsaysay’s robust physique was often attributed to his active lifestyle, having worked as a mechanic and actively served in various capacities before his presidency.
- Height: Approx. 5'6" (167 cm)
- Weight: Varied; diligent about fit physique through manual labor and military service
- Measurements: Not available
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Magsaysay was married to his beloved spouse, Luz Banzon Magsaysay. Together, they had a joyful family life, having three children. His commitment to family values was evident in his leadership style, which emphasized the importance of socio-economic development for families across the Philippines.
- Wife: Luz Banzon Magsaysay
- Children: Three
- Magsaysay is always remembered for his love and dedication to his family.
In the election of 1953, Magsaysay was decisively elected president over the incumbent Elpidio Quirino. He was sworn into office on Wednesday, December 30, 1953, at the Independence Grandstand in Manila. He was wearing the barong tagalog, a first by a Philippine President and a tradition that still continues up to this day.
He was then called "Mambo Magsaysay". Also dressed in barong tagalog was the elected vice-president Carlos P. Garcia. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Ricardo Paras. For the first time, a Philippine president swore on the Bible on an inauguration.
He swore on two Bibles, from each parents' side.
Net Worth and Salary
During his presidency, Magsaysay was known for his austere approach to politics and governance. Unlike many contemporaries, he did not amass significant wealth during his time in office, emphasizing public service over personal gain.
- Net Worth: Reported to be modest due to his principled approach
- Salary: Varied during his term, reflective of the period's governmental budgets
The active coordination of the Magsaysay administration with the Japanese government led to the Reparation Agreement. This was an agreement between the two countries, obligating the Japanese government to pay $550 million as reparation for war damages to the Philippines.
Career, Business, and Investments
Before entering politics, Magsaysay worked as a mechanic and later as a public servant. His career trajectory included roles in various governmental agencies, where he championed labor rights and agricultural reform.
- Key Roles:
- Public Works Administrator
- Secretary of National Defense
- 7th President of the Philippines
- Investments: Focused primarily on public welfare projects rather than personal businesses
He spent his grade school life somewhere in Castillejos and his high school life at Zambales Academy in San Narciso, Zambales. After college, Magsaysay entered the University of the Philippines in 1927, where he enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering course.
He first worked as a chauffeur to support himself as he studied engineering; and later, he transferred to the Institute of Commerce at José Rizal College (now José Rizal University) from 1928 to 1932, where he received a baccalaureate in commerce. He then worked as an automobile mechanic for a bus company and shop superintendent.
Social Network
Though he is no longer with us, the reverence for Ramon Magsaysay continues to thrive. Various organizations and social media platforms celebrate his contribution to the Philippines, engaging the public through educational campaigns and commemorations.
- Legacy Organizations: Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation
- Social Media: Facebook pages and groups dedicated to his life and ideals have amassed considerable followings, ensuring that his values are promoted to new generations.
By 1953, President Quirino thought the threat of the Huks was under control and Secretary Magsaysay was becoming too weak. Magsaysay met with interference and obstruction from the President and his advisers, in fears they might be unseated at the next presidential election.
Although Magsaysay had at that time no intention to run, he was urged from many sides and finally was convinced that the only way to continue his fight against communism, and for a government for the people, was to be elected president, ousting the corrupt administration that, in his opinion, had caused the rise of the communist guerrillas by bad a
dministration.
He resigned his post as defense secretary on February 28, 1953, and became the presidential candidate of the Nacionalista Party, disputing the nomination with Senator Camilo Osías at the Nacionalista national convention.
Education
Ramon Magsaysay attended the University of the East and later the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, where he deepened his understanding of sociology and public administration. His educational journey laid the foundational values that he would later employ in his leadership and service to the Filipino people.
- Alma Mater: University of the East; attended Polytechnic University of the Philippines
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration (Honorary degree later awarded posthumously)
In the course of the conference, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru acidly spoke against the SEATO. Ambassador Rómulo delivered a stinging, eloquent retort that prompted Prime Minister Nehru to publicly apologize to the Philippine delegation.
According to their account, the Philippine delegation ably represented the interests of the Philippines and, in the ultimate analysis, succeeded in turning the Bandung Conference into a victory against the plans of its socialist and neutralist delegates.
However according to the final communique of the conference, communism as a threat in Asia was not mentioned. Instead, participating countries viewed that colonialism, racialism, cultural suppression, discrimination, and nuclear weapons as regional threats.
Solutions offered by the conference for these threats were less ideological, which namely includes:
