Former President Fidel V. Ramos was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Tuesday in a presidential state funeral—the first of its kind in the last two decades.
No less than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. was among those who participated in the over hour-long ceremony, which was last held in 1997 for former President Diosdado P. Macapagal.
The event started at around 10 am with the arrival of the military servicemen, who were tasked to bring the urn containing the ashes of Ramos from the Heritage Memorial Park chapel to its last resting place.
Military public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor said a battalion-sized contingent of honor guards tendered the departure honors for the late president at Heritage Park where he laid in state for days.
This was followed by another battalion-sized honors, a funeral march, and later, a 21-gun salute at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani for his inurnment.
His urn was placed in a bronze coffin covered with a Philippine Flag before it was escorted by the loved ones of Ramos and a military convoy to the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Military honors
Supporters of the late President, clad in white, waved small flags with the image of Ramos, along the road where the convoy passed.
Upon the arrival of the contingent at the Heroes Memorial Gate, the bronze casket was placed in a ceremonial area, where it received full military honors.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Bartolome Vicente O. Bacarro and former first lady Amelita “Ming” M. Ramos, stood near the area to witness the event.
The coffin was then placed in a two-wheeled wooden wagon covered in white flowers, which was pulled by a white military jeep for the funeral procession that involved close relatives of Ramos and the officials and personnel of the AFP.
At the presidential gravesite, the urn of Ramos was taken out of the casket and was given a benediction by an AFP chaplain. A 21-gun salute marked the finale of the burial honors.
Ramos was buried beside the tomb of the late Elpidio Quirino, another former President of the country.
Baclor said the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Bacarro served as the military host during the honors.
The newly-installed chief of staff was joined by major service commanders and other key senior officers of the military.
The military joined the country during the 10-day of national mourning, with all of its camps flying the country’s tri-color at half-mast.
“President Fidel V. Ramos left a legacy of leadership, excellence and sterling public service to the entire Filipino nation. He shall always be remembered with high respect and admiration from his former colleagues, subordinates, and peers,” the military said in a tribute.
Just before the urn was sealed inside the tomb at around 11:30 am, Marcos and other family members of Ramos placed white flowers with the urn following tradition.
Ramos’s favorite song, “Maalala Mo Kaya” was also played as part of the last rites.
Military career
A simple white marble slab, cross, and a wreath of white flower became the final marker on the grave of the president, who was known for his colorful career as a politician and military man.
After the end of the burial ceremony, Amelita Ramos gave a brief speech, where she thanked all those who helped her in their family’s ordeal while Ramos was serving in the military.
“It was difficult to adjust. He [Ramos] was at home for two years and another two years in the province. Then he volunteered for another two years in Vietnam. So we would like those who helped us,” the former first lady said in Filipino.
But with the help of those who were close to them, she said they were able to overcome their challenges.
She ended her speech with Ramos’s favorite catchphrase during his career in public service: “We can do it.”
Ramos served as the country’s 12th president from 1992 to 1998. Prior to that, he also served as the chief of the Philippine Constabulary and AFP.
He died at the age of 94 on July 31, 2022.
Image credits: AP/Aaron Favila