Manuel Roxas was born on January 1, 1892, in Capiz, Philippines. He grew up in a politically active family, with his father serving as a municipal governor and a member of the Philippine Revolutionary Army against Spain.
Roxas attended the University of the Philippines, where he was an active student leader and eventually became president of the student council. He later pursued law at the University of Santo Tomas and passed the bar exam in 1914.
After practicing law for several years, Roxas entered politics and served as a member of the House of Representatives during the American colonial period. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the Secretary of Finance in 1938 and later the Speaker of the House in 1941.
In 1946, Roxas was elected as the 5th President of the Philippines, just one month before the country gained independence from the United States. During his presidency, he focused on rebuilding the nation after World War II and securing economic stability.
Roxas worked closely with General Douglas MacArthur to negotiate the terms of Philippine independence from the United States. Together, they drafted the Treaty of Manila, which granted full sovereignty to the Philippines.
Roxas married his wife Trinidad de Leon in 1921, and they had two children together. He was known for his dedication to his family and his country, always putting their needs above his own.
Manuel Roxas left a lasting impact on the Philippines, both as a leader and as a symbol of independence. His image is immortalized on the 100 Philippine peso bill, serving as a reminder of his contributions to the nation.
Tragically, Roxas passed away in 1948, just two years into his presidency. His sudden death shocked the nation, but his legacy continued to inspire future generations of Filipino leaders.