DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL, FORMER PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT, DIES AT 86
Manila (CNN) -- Former Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal, who held office from 1961 to 1965, has died at his home in Makati, a Manila suburb. He was 86.
Macapagal was considered a reformist president, and he made education and economic development central parts of his platform. He is best known for signing into law the Agricultural Land Reform Code, which redistributed large tracts of farmland to poor farmers.
Macapagal was born on September 28, 1910, in the town of Lubao, Pampanga province, north of Manila. He graduated from the University of the Philippines in 1932 with a degree in law. He entered politics in 1949, when he was elected to the Philippine Congress. He served as vice president under President Carlos P. Garcia from 1957 to 1961.
Macapagal's presidency was marked by both successes and challenges. He achieved significant economic growth, but he also faced political turmoil and social unrest. He was defeated in his bid for reelection in 1965 by Ferdinand Marcos.
After leaving office, Macapagal continued to be active in politics. He served as president of the Asian Development Bank from 1968 to 1973. He also founded the Philippine Democratic Party-Laban.
Macapagal is survived by his wife, Evangelina Macaraeg Macapagal, and their children.
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