Macapagal, Diosdado (1910-1997), served as president of the Philippines from 1961 to 1965. He was known for his efforts to rid his country of corruption. He also worked to introduce economic reforms and change government foreign policy toward Asia.
Macapagal was born into a poor family in Lubao, Pampanga province, on Sept. 28, 1910. He won a scholarship to the University of Santo Tomas and graduated with a degree in law. After World War II (1939-1945), he joined the Department of Foreign Affairs. In 1949, Macapagal was elected to the Philippine House of Representatives. He served there until 1956. In 1957, he was elected vice president to President Carlos P. Garcia. Four years later, he defeated Garcia in the presidential elections. In the 1965 elections, he was defeated by Ferdinand Marcos. Macapagal died on April. 21, 1997. His daughter Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo served as president of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010.
