THE administration of President Elpidio R. Quirino (1948-1953) is noted for many achievements. Regaining the people’s faith and confidence in the government and the restoration of peace and order were the hallmarks of his domestic policies. Upholding national honor and dignity distinguished his foreign policies. He repeatedly stressed the primacy of his nation’s integrity, that the Philippines should never again be a dependency of any foreign power.

To achieve his vision for his people and country, President Quirino implemented numerous socio-politico-economic measures. He implemented an Economic Mobilization Program which hastened the postwar reconstruction of the country, promoted the country’s industrialization and the development of the countryside. He stabilized the Philippine currency by establishing the Central Bank of the Philippines.

President Quirino complemented his administration’s programs by personally demonstrating to the people two virtues necessary for accomplishing them. He personified honesty and discipline in the public service. President Quirino did not misuse the presidential powers or use them for personal aggrandizement to the detriment of his country and people. He used these presidential powers to advance the welfare and well-being of the nation.

President Quirino served his countrymen in various capacities – as representative of Ilocos Sur, senator, 1934 Constitutional Convention delegate, Secretary of Finance, of the Interior, and of Foreign Affairs, Vice President, and, finally, President of the Philippines.

Exemplary educator, civil servant, legal authority, legislator, economist, and diplomat, President Elpidio R. Quirino died on February 29, 1956. To perpetuate his memory, Congress passed on September 10, 1971 Republic Act 6394 creating the Province of Quirino.

We hope that our observance of President Elpidio R. Quirino’s Birth Anniversary today will inspire our youth and our country’s public