Manuel L. Quezon

Manuel L. Quezon was a visionary Filipino statesman and the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. He played a key role in guiding the country toward independence while promoting national unity, social justice, and the use of a national language.

 Birthplace: Baler, Tayabas (now Aurora), Philippines
 Birth Date: August 19, 1878
 Death Date: August 1, 1944
 Field: Politics, Leadership & Nation-Building

  • First President of the Philippine Commonwealth
  • Led the Philippines during its transition toward independence
  • Advocated for the adoption of Filipino as the national language
  • Championed social justice, labor rights, and land reform
  • Offered refuge to Jewish refugees fleeing persecution during World War II 

Manuel L. Quezon is remembered as the “Father of the Philippine National Language” and a strong advocate for self-governance. His leadership helped shape the foundations of the modern Philippine state.

Quezon was known for his sharp wit and famous line: “I would rather have a government run like hell by Filipinos than a government run like heaven by Americans.”