President Ramon F. Magsaysay’s untimely passing away on March 17, 1957, thrust Vice President Carlos P. Garcia to the presidency of the Philippines. It thus fell upon him to carry out the task of fulfilling the vision of a free independent, and strong Filipino nation. His “Filipino First’’ policy and national programs on thriftiness and retail trade show that President Garcia ably carried out this task.

The ‘Filipino First’’ policy put the interests of the Filipino people above those of foreigners. President Garcia declared that political independence without economic independence is hollow. He said economic independence means self-sufficiency and ability of the Filipino people to control the nation’s economic directions, one that should primarily serve the Filipino people.

Complementing the “Filipino First’’ policy was President Garcia’s program to create an “Association of Southeast Asia’’ (ASA), a regional association that would promote socio-economic progress and political cooperation, including pacific settlement of disputes. ASA became the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) today.

Assertive Philippine sovereignty also marked President Garcia’s administration.

This produced the Serrano-Bohlen agreement of 1959, which corrected many provisions of the 1947 RP-US Military Bases Agreement iniquitous to the Filipino people.

Another hallmark of his administration was President Garcia’s strong advocacy of promoting global peace, understanding, and closer cooperation between East and West.

Today we observe the 113th Birth Anniversary of President Carlos P. Garcia. A true patriot and nationalist, President Garcia selflessly served the country in various capacities as teacher, poet, orator, lawyer, public servant, legislator – and served honorably and with distinction. May the Filipino youth, be inspired by President Garcia’s exemplary record, especially his loyalty to the Philippines, our Motherland.