21/04/2026
🇵🇭 ON THIS DAY | April 21, 1997
Former Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal, the 9th President of the Republic of the Philippines, passed away at the age of 86.
Macapagal served as President from 1961 to 1965 and is remembered for key reforms such as the liberalization of the Philippine economy and the transfer of Independence Day from July 4 to June 12—honoring the country’s declaration of independence from Spain.
Diosdado Macapagal was also considered the “Father of Agrarian Reform.” It was during his term that the Agricultural Land Reform Code or RA No. 3844 was enacted on August 8, 1963. This was considered to be the most comprehensive piece of agrarian reform legislation ever enacted in the country at that time.
He died on April 21, 1997, in Makati due to heart-related complications, pneumonia, and kidney failure.
Today, we remember his contributions to Philippine governance and his enduring legacy in shaping the nation’s history.
Sources:
Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Diosdado Macapagal. Retrieved April 21, 2026, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Diosdado-Macapagal
National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (2023, April 18). Observance of the 26th death anniversary of Diosdado Macapagal. Retrieved from https://nhcp.gov.ph/news_and_updates/observance-of-the-26th-death-anniversary-of-diosdado-macapagal/
Commission on Higher Education. (n.d.). 04-Handout-3 [Handout]. PHL CHED Connect.
�https://phlconnect.ched.gov.ph/admin/uploads/da4902cb0bc38210839714ebdcf0efc3/04-Handout-3.pdf
Illustration by: Tumulak, Alhea Rhaine
Words by: Estrella, Princess Hyacinth May,
Digal, Ivan