At Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr.

Brief background:
Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was a complex and influential figure in Philippine history and born on September 11,
1917, he rose to become the 10th President of the Philippines, serving from 1965 to 1986. His time in power
was marked by a mix of accomplishments and controversies that left a lasting impact on the country.
Hailing from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Marcos came from humble beginnings that shaped his journey. He
pursued a law degree at the University of the Philippines and embarked on a political career And in 1949, he
was elected to the Philippine House of Representatives and later became a senator and his political ascent
culminated in his historic victory in the 1965 presidential election, becoming the first president from the
newly established Nacionalista Party.
During his early years as president, Marcos implemented economic and infrastructure programs that initially
brought about growth and development. However, over time, his administration’s policies contributed to a
significant increase in foreign debt, which had long-lasting consequences for the country’s economy.
Unfortunately, Marcos’ presidency was marred by widespread corruption, human rights abuses, and the
suppression of political opposition. The declaration of martial law in 1972 marked a turning point, enabling
him to consolidate power and silence dissent for the next nine years. Dissidents faced imprisonment, torture,
and even death under his regime.
The assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. in 1983 ignited massive protests and drew
international attention to Marcos’ rule. The People Power Revolution of 1986, a peaceful uprising,
eventually forced Marcos and his family into exile in Hawaii.
Even during his time in exile, Marcos faced numerous accusations of embezzlement and plundering the
Philippine treasury. His death on September 28, 1989, in Honolulu, Hawaii, did not put an end to the
controversies surrounding him. The country continued to grapple with the aftermath of his authoritarian rule,
including ongoing efforts to recover the ill-gotten wealth amassed by the Marcos family.
The influence of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on Philippine society and politics remains profound. The country
continues to grapple with the consequences of his authoritarian rule, striving for justice for the victims of
human rights abuses and working towards recovering the wealth accumulated through corruption. The
legacy of Marcos serves as a reminder of the complexities of leadership, as some supporters hail him as a
visionary leader prioritizing national development, while others vehemently condemn him as a dictator who
trampled upon democracy and human rights.
Contributions:

 Initiated the construction of key infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
 Expanded educational opportunities by establishing new schools and universities.
 Developed energy projects to ensure a stable power supply for the country.
 Advocated for the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers.
 Marcos established the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), which provided health
insurance to millions of Filipinos. He also expanded the network of hospitals and clinics.

References:
Lacsamana, Leodivico Cruz (1990). Philippine History and Government (Second ed.). Phoenix Publishing
House, Inc. ISBN 971-06-1894-6. P. 189.
Philippine Daily Inquirer (2016). “Marcos: Rise and fall of a dictator”. Archived from the original on July 2,
2022. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
Elefan, Ruben S. (1997). Fraternities, sororities, societies : secrets revealed. Metro Manila, Philippines: St.
Pauls.