MANUEL LUIS QUEZON

                                            MANUEL LUIS QUEZON

        Manuel L. Quezon was a Filipino lawyer, statesman, soldier, and politician who served as the second president of the Philippines from 1935 until his death in 1944. Born on August 19, 1878, in Baler, Aurora, Quezon played a significant role in shaping the country's government and policies.

      Manuel L. Quezon graduated from Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 1894 and later studied law at the University of Santo Tomas. He joined the Filipino war effort during the Philippine-American War and became an aide-de-camp to Emilio Aguinaldo. After the war, Quezon worked as a clerk, surveyor, and treasurer before entering politics.

      Quezon won the 1935 presidential election and became the first Filipino to head a government of the entire Philippines.  He implemented various reforms, including; Land Reform: Quezon implemented the Rice Share Tenancy Act of 1933 to regulate share-tenancy contracts and improve tenant-landlord relationships. Social Justice he introduced a program of social justice, establishing a court for industrial relations and enacting laws for minimum wage and working hours. National Language Quezon promoted the development of a national language based on Tagalog. Women's Suffrage he initiated women's suffrage, and a plebiscite was held in 1937, resulting in the granting of voting rights to women.

        Quezon faced challenges from Imperial Japan and established a government in exile in the US during World War II. He is remembered for his leadership and vision for the Philippines, and Quezon City, a major city in Metro Manila, is named after him.

       Quezon's legacy is complex, with some scholars describing his leadership as a "de facto dictatorship". Despite this, he is recognized for his efforts to promote social justice and develop the country's economy. An open-door policy typically refers to a business or organizational approach where; Doors are literally open, promoting an open and approachable work environment.

          Leaders or managers have an "open door" for employees to share concerns, ideas, or feedback without formal appointments. This policy aims to; Foster transparency and trust. Encourage communication and collaboration. Empower employees to speak up. Resolve issues promptly.

        In international relations, the "Open Door Policy" also refers to China's economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in 1978, aimed at opening up the country to foreign investment and trade.

        During the Holocaust, Manuel L. Quezon, the second president of the Philippines, played a significant role in saving over 1,200 Jewish refugees persecuted by the Nazis. The "Open Door" Policy Quezon implemented an "open door" policy, transforming Manila into a safe haven for Jewish refugees. He worked with American Jewish businessmen, the Frieder brothers, who owned the Helena Cigar Factory in Manila, to provide visas, housing, and schools for the refugees. Quezon even donated his own land in Mindanao and Marikina to serve as settlements for the Jewish refugees. Despite facing opposition from US and Philippine government officials, who claimed Jews were "communists" intent on controlling the world, Quezon stood firm in his decision. He assured the Frieder brothers that he would handle the resistance and make the necessary arrangements for the refugees. Quezon's heroism is honoured through the "Open Doors" monument in Israel's Rishon Lezion Memorial Park, unveiled in 2009. This monument serves as a reminder of the Philippines' role in providing refuge to Jews during World War II.

     Manuel L. Quezon played a significant role in providing refuge to Jewish people fleeing Nazi persecution during World War II. Here are some key points about his efforts. Quezon sympathized with the plight of Jews in Nazi Germany and believed they would be an asset to the Philippines, bringing expertise and knowledge in medicine and other professional fields. Quezon worked with High Commissioner Paul V. McNutt to propose a plan to settle 30,000 refugee families on Mindanao and 40,000-50,000 refugees on Polillo. Quezon donated a parcel of land he had bought for his son, Manuel "Nonong" Quezon Jr., to the Jewish Refugee Committee for housing homeless refugees. This land, adjacent to his family home in Marikina, became Marikina Hall, a large group home and farm dedicated on April 23, 1940. Quezon had made friends with the Jewish-American community in the Philippines, partly because Jews, familiar with discrimination, made an effort to befriend Filipinos when other Americans wouldn't.

          Quezon's efforts earned him recognition, and in 2015, the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation posthumously awarded him the Wallenberg Medal for his humanitarian actions. Quezon's leadership and friendship with the Jewish community demonstrate his commitment to helping those in need and promoting inclusivity. During World War II, Manuel L. Quezon played a significant role as the president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Here are some key points about his leadership during that time. Quezon established a government in exile in the United States, specifically in Washington, D.C., after the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in 1941-1942. This government aimed to continue Philippine resistance against Japanese occupation. Quezon faced significant challenges, including health issues, as he suffered from tuberculosis. Despite his condition, he continued to lead the government in exile. Quezon worked closely with the US government to secure support for the Philippines and to plan for the country's post-war reconstruction.

         Quezon's efforts during World War II, particularly in providing refuge to Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust, earned him recognition. In 2015, the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation posthumously awarded him the Wallenberg Medal for his humanitarian actions.

       Quezon's leadership during World War II showcased his dedication to his country and its people, despite the complexities and challenges he faced. His legacy continues to be celebrated in the Philippines.

       Manuel L. Quezon passed away on August 1, 1944, due to complications from tuberculosis. He died at Saranac Lake, New York, while in exile during World War II. Initially buried at Arlington National Cemetery, his remains were later transferred to the Manila North Cemetery in 1946 and finally to the Quezon Memorial Shrine in Quezon City in 1979