opened the Malaca\u00f1ang Palace to the public<\/a> and heard the people\u2019s grievances one or two times each week.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTruly, Magsaysay\u2019s administration was of the people, by the people and for the people. Even before his presidency, he sought out the root cause of the common man\u2019s problems and why they rebel and resort to communism as in the case of the Huk rebels. He implemented social and economic reforms, specifically to remote areas, and provided livelihood assistance to surrendering rebels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part of his social reform was the provision of land to peasant farmers, who were the most afflicted by poverty and the most likely to take up arms in an effort to fight oppression. He moved to ensure the people a life of decency through the Agricultural Tenancy Act in 1954 and Land Reform Act in 1955. His rural development projects made him successful at reaching out to the rural folks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Crash Site Today<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMt. Manunggal, one of Cebu\u2019s highest peaks looks majestic with its pointed, jagged peaks visible from Transcentral Highway of Cebu. It\u2019s mostly serene and rather ordinary on most days. Its calmness disturbed only by the occasional songs of the forest animals, the sounds coming from a handful of locals doing their daily routine, and perhaps the recognizable clamor of curious strangers and happy campers who visit the mountain on weekends and holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\nContributed Photo by Ya Yang<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nContributed photo by Jay Inc.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBut Mt. Manunggal transforms into a vibrant party place every 17th<\/sup> day of March (or the weekend near the date) when Barangay Magsaysay (formerly Barangay Sunog) holds its annual fiesta and at the same time celebrate the death anniversary of a beloved president.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs the crash site of Magsaysay\u2019s presidential plane, Mt. Manunggal became an instant tourist spot. In fact, it is easier now to visit the mountain via a barangay road carved at the back of the range to the right of the Cebu Transcentral Highway past Barangay Gaas. For the more adventurous lots, they take a 3-hour uphill trek through a rough path from Barangays Tabunan, Tagba-o or Gaas, traversing rivers and streams along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\nContributed photo by Robert Sullano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Contributed photo by Robert Sullano<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe mountain itself holds several mementos of the late president and his tragic flight including a cylinder block of one of Mt. Pinatubo’s plane engines. There\u2019s also a list of the people who died with the president etched on marble laid on the point of impact. To the east of the engine is a chapel, and several steps below stands the monument of the President Magsaysay. There are also public toilets and a spring nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Annual Death Anniversary Celebration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt is customary to hold a religious service held at the chapel and flower offering in the morning of the 17th<\/sup> of March. This are attended by local officials and representatives of the Magsaysay clan. This is usually followed by the annual trek and climb (sometimes a trail run) highlighting the Ramon Magsaysay death anniversary celebration and culminated by an overnight partying and dancing.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAlthough Mt. Manunggal grounds are rough and uneven, it provides campers, participants, and spectators enough space for setting up tents, a stage and a few stalls, even a cockpit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Expect that this year\u2019s Ramon Magsaysay death anniversary celebration is nothing less than spectacular. That is if you\u2019re someone who loves the outdoors and nature mixed with modern partying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Local bands are sure to play throughout the night of the fiesta culmination, so try to fight the urge to hit the sack so early. It won\u2019t be easy to doze off anyway. Not with all the loud music, the loud noises, and of course the occasional stray campers so drunk they can\u2019t find their own tents. It is a fiesta after all so it doesn\u2019t matter whether it\u2019s held along the streets of Mango Avenue or on top of Mt. Manunggal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But really, each Ramon Magsaysay death anniversary celebration is festive, entertaining and memorable. Local officials, particularly those from Barangay Magsaysay, are keen to keeping peace, order and safety of fiesta goers as well as ensure they have the time of their lives during the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want some peace and quiet as you pay respects to President Magsaysay, consider visiting Mt. Manunggal on ordinary days, preferably weekdays. Although you can go on weekends during the rainy months as it may be as peaceful and deserted, and you\u2019ll have the mountain all to yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His Memory Lives Forever<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPresident Magsaysay was a man of humility, dignity, patriotism and honor. He may have died all too sudden and too soon, but never in vain. He left us a memory and a legacy that will forever be engraved in our history. During his few years in service, he transformed and reformed the country in so many ways, and placed the interest of the Filipino people above self, family and friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So yes, climb Mt. Manunggal on the third weekend of March and join in the festivities and fun. But also celebrate the meaningful life of one Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay, Sr. who served our country and our people the best way he knew how. So long as Mt. Manunggal stands, so lives the memory of President Magsaysay.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
March is a special month because it marks the end of classes, graduation time, and of course the beginning of summer in tropical Philippines. But there\u2019s one other thing that makes the month of March even more special and commemorative a time for Cebuanos . It is during this month that we remember one of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":623,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[123],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Remembering President Ramon \u201cThe Guy\u201d Magsaysay | Cebu Philippines Ultimate Travel & Food Guide<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n