Universities, family, supporters gather to pay tribute to FVR

Several universities, family members, and supporters gathered and paid tribute to the late former President Fidel V. Ramos during Saturday's memorial service at the Central United Methodist Church in Kalaw, Manila.

The memorial service was led by the Wesleyan University of the Philippines (WU-P)and Silliman University, together with the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities (ACSCU).

“Our collective hope that through this memorial service, we will be able to inspire our scholars in our respective educational institutions to include in their research agenda the policy initiatives, leadership qualities, and advocacies of president Ramos which aimed to make the 21st century Filipino globally competitive and to make the country earned its rightful place in the community of nations,” said WU-P and ACSCU President Benjamin Turagno during his opening statement.

Ramos' cousin Angela Valdez-Timtiman recounted how the former president always made time for their family despite his busy schedule.

“There are really so many memories to remember our great past president but he would certainly be a very hard act to follow. To try our best is the least we can do to honor our beloved manong Eddie,” Valdez-Timtiman said.

“I pray that the work and legacy of the 12th president, Fidel V. Ramos, continues for generations to come that they too would be shouting ‘Kaya natin ito. Oo, kaya natin!” she added.

Among those who attended the memorial service were retired justice Reynato Puno, former Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, and former Department of Science and Technology Secretary Dr. Willy Padolina.

The former president passed away on July 31.

Ramos, the country's 12th president, was accorded a state funeral with full military honors and laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on August 9.

He was president from 1992 to 1998.

Born on March 18, 1928, in Lingayen, Pangasinan to diplomat and lawmaker Narciso Ramos and educator Angela Valdez, he graduated with a military engineering degree from the US Military Academy at West Point.

He was also a veteran who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. — DVM, GMA News