Former President Fidel V. Ramos, the 12th President of the Republic of the Philippines, is celebrating his 86th Birth Anniversary on March 18, 2014. His presidency (June 30, 1992-June 30, 1998) was marked by a revitalized and robust economy, when there was an influx of foreign and domestic investments. A total of 229 structural reform laws were enacted by the Philippine Congress during his term. He promoted people empowerment and global competitiveness.
President Ramos, popularly called “FVR,” had a distinguished career in government and earlier, in the military where he was a multi-awarded officer. He is recognized worldwide as one of “Heroes of EDSA” for his valiant role in the historic EDSA People Power of February 22-25, 1986, that restored democracy to the Philippines. Prior to becoming President, he served in the administration of President Corazon C. Aquino as Chief-of-Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Chief of Integrated National Police and Secretary of National Defense.
As a military man, he fought in the Korean War, and was one of heroes of Battle of Hill Eerie. He was commanding officer of Philippine Civic Action Group in Vietnam. He was awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor, Distinguished Conduct Star, Philippine Military Merit Medal, United States of America (USA) Legion of Merit, French Legion of Honor, United Nations Service Medal, and USA Distinguished Graduate Award. He is the only Filipino to receive an honorary British Knighthood from the United Kingdom, the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, from Queen Elizabeth II in 1995 for services to politics and government. He won the 1997 United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Peace Award, the first for Asians. He received 28 honorary doctorates from foreign educational institutions. President Ramos is active to this day in various areas, through his Foundation for Peace and Development, where he interacts with world leaders and speaks on politics and governance. He is the author of several books on nation-building, democracy, citizenship, and civil responsibility.
Born in Lingayen, Pangasinan, he was the son of former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Narciso R. Ramos and educator Angela Valdez Ramos. He was a scholar in the USA Military Academy at West Point and obtained his master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois. He is married to Amelita Martinez Ramos, a teacher and environmentalist.
The Manila Bulletin, led by its Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Emilio T. Yap, President and Publisher Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cris J. Icban Jr., Business Editor Loreto D. Cabañes, Directors, Officers and Employees, greet Former President Fidel V. Ramos on his 86th Birth Anniversary. We wish him the best, good health, and success in all his endeavors. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. PRESIDENT, AND MABUHAY!
