FORMER President Fidel V. Ramos was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio on Tuesday, August 9, 2022.
From the Heritage Park, Ramos’ urn, which was placed inside a casket, was brought to the Presidential Gravesite at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
He was given full military honors, which include a 21-gun salute. Rose petals were also dropped during the procession by a Philippine Air Force chopper. The interment flag was folded in 13 triangular folds and was handed over to Ramos’ wife, Ming.
He was laid beside the grave of former President Manuel L. Quezon.
According to Ramos’ family, it was him who personally chose the spot where he will be buried.
Ramos also asked his family to play his favorite songs during his burial during the "Alerta Filipinas," "How Great Thou Art," and “The Lord's Prayer.”
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. personally attended the burial to pay his last respect to the former president whose mother is a cousin of the latter’s grandfather.
Family, friends, and public officials offered white flowers to the late President who succumbed to complications brought about by coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infection on July 31. He was 94.
Ming thanked the Filipino nation for supporting Ramos and being with their family during such tough times.
She recalled his husband’s sacrifice especially at the time he was serving in the military and at the same time raising their family.
Ramos and Ming had five daughters, eight grandsons and five granddaughters.
She also uttered Ramos’ famous line “kaya natin ‘to” in which she was referring to military life.
Ramos served as the country’s 12th President from 1992 to 1998. Due to his efforts, the country regained the confidence of the investors following the martial law under the regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
He also served as the chief of the Philippine Constabulary and vice-chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippine under Marcos government.
In 1986, he joined hundreds of thousands of protesters gathering on Edsa aiming to unseat Marcos.
He was appointed as the AFP chief of staff by President Cory Aquino. (SunStar Philippines)