Remembering Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Today

Today, November 4, 2013, we mark the 117th birth anniversary of former Philippine President Carlos Polistico Garcia, Bohol's Most Illustrious Son

His long and brilliant political career was punctuated with his ascendancy to presidency of the country

He was born to Policronio Garcia and Ambrosia Polistico in Talibon, Bohol on November 4, 1896 which is celebrated every year as "Bohol Day" to honor him 

He is the best inspiration and role model for young Boholanos who want to achieve their dreams despite life's adversities 

EDUCATION

He completed his primary education in his hometown Talibon, Bohol and finished his secondary education in Cebu Provincial High School.

He later studied at Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, for his bachelor's degree and proceeded to the Philippine Law School (now Philippine College of Criminology) where he earned his law degree and graduated on top of the class in 1923. 

TOP TEN BAR TOPNOTCHER

He made it as one of the Top Ten in the national bar examinations. 

Before practicing law, he worked as a teacher for two years at Bohol Provincial High School (now known as Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School. 

AS DEVOTED HUSBAND & DOTING FATHER 

President Carlos P. Garcia with his family—daughter Linda Garcia-Campos, son-in-law Fernando Campos, and his wife Leonila cradling their first grandchild, Maria Carla G. Campos.
 

He was married to Leonila Dimataga, a licensed pharmacist from Opon, Cebu (now Lapulapu City) with whom he had an only child, Linda Garcia.

TWO PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATIONS IN 1957

Here are some facts and figures on the late Atty. Carlos Polistico Garcia of the Nacionalista Party, the Eighth President of the Philippines and the Fourth President of the Third Republic

It was March 18, 1957, when Vice- President Garcia, at the age of 61, assumed the presidency from Pres. Magsaysay who perished in a tragic plane crash in Mt. Manunggal in Balamban, Cebu Province. 

His first presidential term was from March 18, 1957 to December 30, 1957 for a total of eight months, the remainder of Pres. Magsaysay's first presidential term. 

His Second Inauguration for 1957 was on December 30 at the Independence Grandstand, Manila at the age of 62

LIFE AFTER THE PRESIDENCY:

Because of delicadeza and sense of propriety, he deferred the concreting & improvement of his native Bohol's roads and bridges.

He never got to see the realization of the planned modernization for Bohol after suffering a big blow in his political image in 1961 with the so-called “White Paper” disseminated by Senator Eulogio “Amang” Rodriquez, President Garcia lost his reelection bid to the rising political leader from Pampanga, and his Vice President Diosdado Macapagal of the Liberal Party.

After his failed reelection bid, Garcia retreated to private life, living in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

UNTIMELY DEMISE OF PRESIDENT CPG

However, just four days after his election as President of the 1971 Constitutional Convention on June 14, 1971, Garcia suffered a fatal heart attack. 

He was succeeded as president of the convention by his vice president, former president Diosdado Macapagal. 

He died on June 14, 1971 in Quezon City and became the first Philippine president to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig, Metro Manila

PREVIOUS POSITIONS HELD BY PRESIDENT GARCIA:

Executive Bureaucracy   : Member, Rehabilitation Commission

Provincial                     : Governor of Bohol (1933-1941)

Cabinet                        : Secretary of Foreign Affairs (1953-1957)

National                        : Vice-President of the Philippines (1953-1957)

Legislative Lower House : Representative, Lone District of Bohol (1925-1931)

Upper House                  : Senator (1945-1953)

Judicial                         : None

Others                           : President, 1971 Constitutional Convention

Military                          : Guerilla resistance leader

PRESIDENT CPG'S LEGACY

President Carlos P. Garcia & his administration is best remembered for the following administration policies:

Austerity, Filipino First Policy and Cultural Revival

For more on our favorite Paisano, here's the link:

President CPG: Bohol's Most Illustrious Son

Photo Credits:

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