Manuel L. Quezon was a prominent Filipino politician who served as the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944. He played a crucial role in advocating for Philippine independence from the United States and worked to establish a national government. Quezon is also known for promoting the use of the Filipino language as a means of fostering national identity. Born on August 19, 1878, in Baler, Quezon was a lawyer and a member of the Philippine Assembly. He was instrumental in the creation of the National Language and implemented various social reforms during his presidency. Quezon's leadership during World War II was significant, as he sought to protect the Philippines from Japanese occupation.