The Filipino Profiles

Carlos Polístico García (November 4, 1896 – June 14, 1971)was a Filipino teacher, poet, orator, lawyer, public official, and guerrilla leader. He became the 8th President of the Philippines known for his "Filipino First" policy, which put the interests of the Filipino people above those of foreigners and of the ruling party.

García was born in Talibon, Bohol to Policronio García and Ambrosia Polestico (who were both natives of Bangued, Abra). He is featured as the lone star in the Bohol provincial flag as the only Philippine President produced by the province. Another star shall be added for every Boholano who shall also become president of the Philippines.

Garcia grew up with politics, with his father serving as a municipal mayor for four terms. He acquired his primary education in his native Talibon, then took his secondary education in Cebu Provincial High School. He briefly took law courses at Silliman University in Dumaguete City. He then studied in Philippine Law School (now Philippine College of Criminology) and earned his degree in 1923. He was among the top ten in the bar examination.

Rather than practice law right away, he worked as a teacher for two years at Bohol Provincial High School. He became famous for his poetry in Bohol, where he earned the nickname "Prince of Visayan Poets" and the "Bard from Bohol".

He started his political career in 1925, scoring an impressive victory running for congressman representing the third district of Bohol. He was elected for another term, but served only until 1931 when he successfully ran for governor of Bohol. He served as provincial governor for two terms. He became a member of the congress in 1946, and was elected three times to the senate for three consecutive terms from 1941 to 1953.

Other Information

• Born : November 4, 1896
• Birthplace: Talibon, Bohol
• Died : June 14, 1971 (aged 74), Bohol, Philippines
• Resting place : Tagbilaran City, Bohol
• Birth name : Carlos Polístico García
• Father: Policronio García
• Mother: Ambrosia Polestico
• Nationality : Filipino
• Ethnic Affiliation : Boholano
• Schoolos Attended :
• Primary, Talibon, Bohol
• Secondary, Cebu Provincial High School
• Silliman University (1918-1919)
• Bachelor of Law (valedictorian), Philippine Law School (now Philippine College of Criminology), (1923)
• Political party : Nacionalista Party
• Other political affiliations : Nacionalista Consolidado (1923-1933), Nacionalista Democrata (1933-1935), Nacionalista Coalition (1935-1937), Nacionalista Party (1937-1971)
• Spouse : Leonila “Inday” Dimataga
• Children:
• Linda Garcia – Campos
• Profession : Lawyer, teacher, poet, orator
• Religion : Roman Catholic

Positions held

Private Citizen

• Highschool teacher, Bohol Provincial School (1923-1925)

Government

• Sergio Osmena (as member of the Rehabilitation Commission)
• Representative, 3rd District of Bohol (1925-1931)
• Three term Provincial Governor (1933-1941)
• Elected senator at large (1941)
• Guerrilla resistance leader (1942-1945)
• Senator (last Congress of the Commonwealth, 1945-16; 1st Congress 1946-1949, 2nd Congress 1950-1953)
• Minority Floor Leader (1946-1953)
• Vice President and concurrent Secretary of Foreign Affairs (1954-1957)
• Philippine President (March 23, 1957- December 30, 1961)

Awards and achievements

• Placed First in the Bar Examinations of 1923

Links

• Wikipedia