Elpidio Quirino: The Unsung President

More about a very quiet president, who just happened to be the nation's sixth president. With flamboyant predecessors and flashy successors, Elpidio Quirino's was a life of quiet strength and remarkable achievements. One that deserves to be heard. Born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, in 1890, his early life hadn't been marked by any privilege. He was brought up very poor, but his brain and perseverance really shone through. He had worked enough to get an education, which eventually led him to become a law graduate from the University of the Philippines. I believe this made the foundation for his eventual successes in politics and public service. Never born in power, he worked hard to win it.

Quirino was not exactly a career path to the presidency. He served in several positions, gained experience and proved himself to be a potential leader. He sat in the Philippine Assembly and in the Senate, and there was political acumen and dedication to public service. His experiences in those positions prepared him best to face the different challenges he encountered as a president. He was not just another politician; he was rather a great administrator who believed in proper running of governance. He knew about the complexities of running a country and approached the role very seriously, worth recognition.

One of the greatest accomplishments of Quirino was the reconstruction of the country following the war. The Second World War had ravaged the country, and he faced enormous challenges in reconstructing the economy and the infrastructure of the nation. He was into critical economic reforms focusing on agriculture and industry development. Education and social welfare programs were other important priorities. His presidency wasn't scandal-free, but at the same time, there is a commitment to re-develop the devastated country. This is not a perfect individual, but it represents one step in modernization towards a new Philippine era.