Cruz, Akira Jesse C.

Personality: Ramon Magsaysay

Sta. Maria’s Filipino Representation of the Self

• Ang Simpleng Tao:

Magsaysay was popularly known as the “Champion of the Masses”. To the ordinary people, he was
not just a president but their champion, a leader whose connection with them surpassed that of
any other leader in history. They viewed him as a fellow citizen, standing beside them and
representing their aspirations through his words, actions, and symbolism. His straightforwardness,
integrity, and tangible efforts further solidified this perception. Notably, he distinguished himself by
upholding the principle of "subsidiarity," advocating that in a democratic society, power lies with the
people who should actively engage in governance, with the government and its officials serving
their interests dutifully.

On his inauguration day in 1953, RM made Malacañan Palace open to the public and changed its
name to Malacañang, signifying its new role as “the people’s palace,” departing from its historical
image as a distant symbol of colonial and presidential authority.

The media painted a clear picture of RM as a relatable person who would walk in the mud with
farmers, eat without utensils, and take decisive action as a reformer from his time in defense to his
presidency.

Growing up in Zambales, RM had a talent for understanding and connecting with everyday workers
and people, knowing what they needed at home and in their communities and their government
expectations.

• Ang Taong Matapat

Magsaysay's administration is widely regarded as one of the most transparent and free from
corruption in recent Philippine history, often referred to as the "Golden Years" of the country. During
his rule, there was significant growth in trade and industry, a peak in the strength of the Philippine
military, and notable international recognition in sports, culture, and foreign relations. The
Philippines earned a notable second place in a ranking of Asia's cleanest and well-governed
countries.

During his nearly four-year presidency and his prior roles in Congress and the Cabinet, he owned
just one property - his pre-war house in Singalong, Manila. Remarkably, he bore personal expenses
like meals for his teenage children and their friends, even when they visited the Palace. He went to
lengths to distinguish between personal and public expenditures, covering even his daughter's
debut held at the Palace from his own pocket. He meticulously managed his finances, evident in
the fact that he paid for his son's fuel expenses from his government salary, with numerous
deductions reducing his last paycheck to just P2,000 out of a monthly P5,000 salary. This reflects
Magsaysay's principled conduct as president.
 • Ang Taong May Malasakit

His leadership style was notably centered on the people, fostering a high level of trust between the
government and the Filipino populace, which led to his nickname "Champion of the Masses."
Magsaysay's empathetic approach to the Hukbalahap rebellion, understanding the rebels not as
Communists but as distressed peasants seeking a solution to their hardships, resonated with
many. His initiatives for agrarian reform among farmers garnered widespread national support.
Furthermore, he took decisive measures to address government corruption inherited from previous
administrations.

Additionally, he established the Presidential Complaints and Action Committee (PCAC) under the
leadership of Manuel Manahan and a team of young and passionate individuals. The PCAC listened
to the concerns of thousands of citizens and proposed solutions to relevant government agencies,
boosting public morale and instilling confidence in the government. This action fulfilled the
President’s pledge that “those who have less in life should have more in law.” RM also made himself
accessible to the public by allowing them to contact him via telegram for a minimal fee of 10
centavos.

• Ang Taong Nagsusumikap

Coming from a middle-class background in Zambales, RM had a natural talent for understanding
and connecting with ordinary workers and people. He had an innate sense of their needs in their
homes and communities, as well as their expectations from the government, which he learned
through direct interaction.

During his time as defense secretary, he keenly grasped the underlying causes of the Huk and
communist rebellions, recognizing the rebels' demands for land and justice. Upon assuming the
presidency, RM directed his administration's efforts towards addressing the essential needs of rural
areas, such as irrigation, roads, schools, clinics, and ensuring peace and order. He initiated a
nationwide self-help community development program managed by skilled community
development professionals. Inspired by his dedication, private organizations increased their efforts
in rural community development programs. Additionally, he mentored promising young leaders who
shared his values, grooming them as his political successors, including Manahan, Emmanuel
Pelaez, Raul Manglapus, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., and Ramon Binamira.

Enriquez’s Theory of Personality

• Pakikiramdam, Pakikisama, Kamalayan, Ulirat, Isip, and Kalooban

Magsaysay showed Pakikiramdam, Pakikisama, Kamalayan, Ulirat, Isip, Kalooban by being

conscious on both the emotive and cognitive experiences of the Filipinos, being knowledgeable and
understanding.

Ramon Magsaysay's approach to development was focused on uplifting the country's impoverished
population. He aimed to enhance their quality of life through government initiatives. Consequently,
his development agenda placed significant emphasis on addressing their specific needs: improving
living standards in rural areas, providing access to clean water for the less privileged, implementing
land reform to allocate land to tenant farmers and those without land, enhancing rural credit
facilities, and overall, boosting agricultural incomes.

To realize these objectives, Magsaysay dedicated considerable attention to rural issues. This
involved reinforcing programs related to land redistribution and transfer, bolstering rural credit
systems, and enhancing agricultural practices. It also entailed establishing the necessary rural
institutions to support these initiatives.

Government initiatives aimed at advancing rural development included projects such as

constructing artesian wells in rural communities, expanding credit opportunities for farmers,
establishing and supporting farmer's cooperative marketing associations (facomas), resettling
landless individuals to available public land, and creating rural institutions tailored to these
specific purposes.

References:

Abueva, J. V. (2012, March 17). Remembering Ramon “RM” Magsaysay | Inquirer Opinion.

INQUIRER.net. https://opinion.inquirer.net/25089/remembering-ramon-rm-magsaysay

Nicolas, J. (2018b, March 21). Remembering RM. BusinessWorld Online.

https://www.bworldonline.com/editors-picks/2018/03/21/143951/remembering-rm/

Ramon Magsaysay – an unfulfilled presidency. (2013, March 13).

https://econ.upd.edu.ph/perse/?p=7320

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, April 24). Ramon Magsaysay. Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramon_Magsaysay#:~:text=In%201957%20the%20United

%20States,the%20Philippines's%20%22Golden%20Years%22.