Born in Lubao, Pampanga, on September 28, 1910, President Macapagal’s early years were years of hardships, hunger, and poverty. Unlike others who also rose from poverty, he was deeply proud of his humble origins. Education became his stepping stone. Graduating at the top of his class, he went to Manila to study law. He finished his degree at the University of Santo Tomas. He practiced law and served the Philippine diplomatic service and Congress (1949-1956). He was elected Vice President in 1957 and President of the Philippines in 1961.

Personal integrity highlighted his character as a man of honor. To him, integrity and capacity for self-denial are primary requisites for one to hold public position, especially that of the presidency. He could proudly claim that he did not enrich himself in office. His record as the highest official of the land showed his concern for the poor. Land reform and the abolition of the tenancy system were the hallmarks of his administration. It was he who declared June 12 as Philippine Independence Day in recognition of that date in 1896 when Gen. Emilio F. Aguinaldo first proclaimed our independence as a nation.

The observance of President Diosdado P. Macapagal’s ninth death anniversary should remind our country’s officialdom that public office is a public trust and that, as government officials, they should never betray that trust.