2nd President Elpidio Quirino

Following the unexpected death of President Manuel Roxas on April 15, 1948, Elpidio Quirino took over as the president of the Republic of the Philippines. President Quirino was the second president under the newly independent Republic of the Philippines. Before he became the second president, Elpidio Quirino was the vice-president under his predecessor. As his first official act, President Quirino proclaimed a state of mourning for their formerly deceased President, Manuel Roxas. Following the state of mourning, President Quirino launched his agenda of economic reconstruction and the restoration of faith into the government.

In order for President Quirino to bring about economic reconstruction to the Philippines, he created the President’s Action Committee on Social Amelioration (PACSA). PACSA’s responsibility was to help resolve the problems of poor families. He also had the Labor Management Advisory Board help by providing assistance on the human capital in the nation of the Philippines. In addition, President Quirino provided aid to the farmers through the education of farmers to market their crops as well as preventing them from relying on loan sharks. Everything President Quirino did in terms of economics was to try to build a stronger and more reliable economic infrastructure. Realizing what needed to be done, President Quirino focused more on the rural areas because that is the basis of any economy.



After helping to obtain independence for the Philippines, President Quirino knew that he had to bring about support for the government. There is no way a government can function, even if it is sovereign, without the support of the general population. Following the example set by U.S President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, President Quirino held fireside chats to try to boost morale in his nation. He held the fireside chats Malacañang Palace, which is the official residency of the president. In these chats, he would provide the people of the Philippines with the activities of the government and what they were planning to do. These chats were a way for the president to communicate to the people directly and keep them involved in the government.



Despite his efforts, President Quirino faced social unrest, especially coming from the Hukbalahap movement. In an effort to quell the Communist movement, President Quirino negotiated with the Huk commander Luis Taruc. However, the negotiations failed as the commander called for an overthrow of the government. President Quirino, during his reign as the President of the Philippines was able to create economic growth, but was unable to resolve the social problems that plagued the Philippines. As Elpidio Quirino ran for re-election in 1953, he faced staunch opposition from the Nationalist Party. With a combination of Elpidio Quirino’s failing health and social unrest; he was defeated by Ramon Magsaysay. After this failed re-election attempt, Quirino retired to Quezon City and died of a heart attack on February 29, 1956.

-H.Du