As president he managed to foment the agricultural exports of Ecuador during his government , creating economic stability . During his presidency , an earthquake near Ambato severely damaged the city and surrounding areas and killed approximately 8,000 people . Unable to succeed himself , he left his office in 1952 as the first president in 28 years to complete his term in office . He ran again in the election of 1960 , but was defeated by José Maria Velasco Ibarra
an earthquake near Ambato
1949 Ambato earthquake
Galo Plaza