On this day (November 16) in PH History: Elpidio Quirino, the sixth president of the Philippines, was born in the town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
Born into the esteemed Quirino family, Elpidio was the third of nine children to Mariano Quirino and Gregoria Rivera. His journey in education began in the private school of Maestro Anastacio Aquino in Aringay, La Union. Over the years, he furthered his studies at various institutions, including the Manila High School and the University of the Philippines, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1915.
Quirino’s political career commenced in 1919 when he was elected as the representative from the first District of Ilocos Sur. His political trajectory continued with his election as a senator in 1925 and later as secretary of finance in 1934 under Governor-General Frank Murphy. He played a crucial role in the Constitutional Convention and the passage of the Tydings-McDuffie Act in 1934.
His political prowess led him to various roles, including secretary of the interior in 1936, senator-at-large in 1941, and president pro tempore of the senate in 1945. Elpidio Quirino assumed office as Vice-President of the Commonwealth on May 28, 1946, and later became Vice-President of the Republic of the Philippines on July 4, 1946.
Following the untimely death of President Manuel Roxas, Quirino took the oath of office as president on April 17, 1948. The subsequent year, he secured a four-year term as president under the Liberal Party. His presidency was characterized by post-war reconstruction, economic growth, and strengthened diplomatic ties.
Elpidio Quirino’s administration focused on economic reconstruction, assistance to farmers, and the establishment of the country’s central bank. Known for his diplomatic skills, he negotiated accords with nations worldwide, addressing peace and security concerns in Asia.
Despite his achievements, Quirino faced defeat in the November 1953 elections against President Ramon Magsaysay. He retreated to private life, settling in Novaliches, Quezon City, overlooking the La Mesa Dam.
Elpidio Quirino’s personal life was marked by tragedy when his wife Alicia Syquia and three of his children fell victim to the South Manila massacre in February 1945. He remarried and had two surviving children, Tomas and Victoria.
On February 29, 1956, Elpidio Quirino passed away at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of political acumen, economic progress, and diplomatic finesse in the annals of Philippine history.
(JR AMIGO/AI/MNM)
