Index IntroductionThe Economic and Social Contributions of Ferdinand MarcosPosition on Ferdinand Marcos as a Good PresidentConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionFerdinand E. Marcos was the tenth president of the Philippines who served for two decades. After serving two terms from 1965 to 1972, he declared martial law to suppress the political chaos prevalent at the time. He ended it in 1981 and was removed from power in 1986. Using primary (official videos and documents) and secondary (discussion paper) sources, this article provides a review of Marcos' economic and social contributions to the country and an analysis of the mixed opinions on his image. The question 'Is Ferdinand Marcos a good president?' has been the subject of intense debate among historians, scholars, and the Filipino populace, making it critical to examine both sides of his leadership. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In his inaugural speech, Marcos spoke of the miserable state of the country: “Our people have reached a point of desperation. I know this because I have personally met many of you. I have heard the cries of thousands and have shaken hands in brotherhood with millions of you. I know the face of desperation and I know the face of hunger because I have seen it in our barrios, in the huts and in the shacks all over our land. Unemployment has increased. Prices of essential goods and services remain unstable. Rice availability remains uncertain.” His vows were also pronounced and he, to make them true, said: “…We must work to be great again. This is your dream and mine. …Let us march together towards the dream of greatness.”The Economic and Social Contribution of Ferdinand MarcosIn his first state of the nation address, Marcos mentioned his plans which included strengthening the agricultural sector, implementing projects totaling 3,986 Php million, the extension of maximum worker protection and mass production programs of rice, fish, vegetables and meat. Despite numerous social and political challenges, such as rebellions, Marcos was able to achieve a result in reviving the country's economic situation. His successes included government reform, infrastructure investment, social and people-oriented reform, and economic and industrial reform. As part of government reform, Marcos designated professionals to lead the agencies. His interest in verifying whether the men and women he placed had the ability to carry out their tasks brought him good results in terms of job performance in the main programs of the economy and the social sector. In terms of infrastructure, Marcos' projects have completed the sector's development goals. An example would be the major irrigation systems and hydroelectric power plants built in Luzon that supported the Green Revolution of the 1970s that led to increased agricultural productivity. Major programs that advanced the social agenda included Presidential Decree No. 27 of 1972 or the government's agrarian reform program which enabled the distribution of 3,739 hectares of land in Central Luzon to farmers and the Green Revolution or Masagana 99 program initiated by the promotion of IR-8 hybrid rice cultivation. Furthermore, in Marcos' 1972 message, it is stated that the Philippines became self-sufficient in rice in 1968 and exported $7 million worth of rice. To deal with the energy shock of the 1970s and reduce dependence on oil, Marcos created the Department of Energy. 3 (2006): 293-308.