17 March, 1957
TODAY IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
Ramon Magsaysay’s term came to an abrupt end, when his presidential plane crashed, killing Magsaysay and 24 other passengers. An estimated 5 million people attended Magsaysay’s burial on March 31, 1957, and afterward, he was referred to in the Philippines as the “Idol of the Masses.” He is best known for defeating the communist led Hukbalahap (Huk) Movement.
In his honor, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, considered “Asia’s Nobel Prize,” was established in 1957. In the spirit of Ramon Magsaysay’s leadership, the award recognizes integrity and courage among individuals and organizations in Asia.
(Ref: biography.com; Photo from malacanang.gov.ph)
