Elpidio Quirino was the second president of the postwar Philippines. He was born in 1890 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur and served in various political roles including representative, senator, and secretary of finance and interior before becoming vice president in 1946 and then president in 1948 after Manuel Roxas' death. As president, he oversaw postwar reconstruction efforts but faced threats from the communist Huk rebellion and issues of corruption. He lost reelection in 1953 and died in 1956.