Amelita Ramos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Amelita Ramos
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Ramos in 2017
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| First Lady of the Philippines | |
| In role June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1998 |
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| President | Fidel V. Ramos |
| Preceded by | Vacant Ballsy Aquino-Cruz (de facto, 1986) Imelda Marcos (1965) |
| Succeeded by | Loi Ejercito |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Amelita Jara Martinez
December 29, 1926 Manila, Philippine Islands |
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| Alma mater | Boston University (BS) University of California, Los Angeles (MS) |
Amelita "Ming" Jara Martinez-Ramos was born on December 29, 1926. She is known for being a former First Lady of the Philippines. She was married to Fidel V. Ramos, who served as the country's president.
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Who is Amelita Ramos?
Amelita Ramos, also known as "Ming," was born Amelita Jara Martinez. Her parents were Rufino Martinez and Josefa Jara Martinez. Both of her parents came from La Paz, Iloilo, which is now part of Iloilo City.
Her father was the first person from the Philippines to be trained as a naval architect in the United States. Her mother was a pioneer in social work in the country. This means her mother was one of the first to work on helping people and communities.
Early Life and Hobbies
Amelita started playing badminton when she was 16 years old. She also worked as a clerk for the Metropolitan Water District. This company is now known as the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System.
Education and Career Journey
Amelita Ramos studied at two well-known universities. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Boston University. She then got a Master of Science degree in Physical Education and Recreation from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Sports Achievements
She was a very talented athlete. Amelita became a national champion in both swimming and badminton. Her love for sports continued throughout her life.
Working at International School Manila
In 1955, she joined International School Manila (ISM). At that time, the school was located in Pasay. She held many different roles there. She worked as a secretary, a physical education teacher, and a director for testing and admissions. She also worked as the registrar, which means she managed student records.
Amelita Ramos retired from ISM in 2022. She worked there for a very long time, making her the school's longest-serving employee.
Role as First Lady of the Philippines
Amelita Ramos became the First Lady of the Philippines when her husband, Fidel V. Ramos, became president in 1992. Even though she had an important new role, she continued to work.
Breaking Traditions
Many First Ladies before her were mainly homemakers. They focused on hosting events at Malacañang Palace. But Amelita Ramos chose to keep her job as registrar at International School Manila. This was a new idea for many people at the time. She continued to go to her office regularly. This showed that women could have important public roles and also continue their careers.
Advocating for Sports and Environment
Amelita Ramos was very active in promoting sports. This was a different focus compared to past First Ladies. She was a sportswoman herself and even served as the president of the Philippine Badminton Association.
She also cared a lot about the environment. She worked hard to help clean up and protect the Pasig River. This river is very important in Manila. Her efforts brought a lot of attention to the river's problems during her husband's time as president. She still works on projects related to the Pasig River today.
Special Projects and Gardens
In 1994, she helped create the Orchidarium in Rizal Park in Manila. This is a special garden for orchids. An orchid was even named after her, called Ascocenda Amelita Ramos. She also started Ming’s Garden in Silang, Cavite. It is a plant nursery and a place for events, and it also has a Filipino restaurant.
Family Life
Amelita Martinez married Fidel V. Ramos on October 21, 1954. At that time, he was an army officer. Their wedding took place at the Central Church in Manila, which is now called Central United Methodist Church.
They were friends first, having been classmates in high school. They also lived near each other on Padre Faura Street in Manila.
Children and Grandchildren
Amelita and Fidel Ramos had five daughters:
- Angelita Ramos-Jones
- Josephine Ramos-Samartino
- Carolina Ramos-Sembrano
- Cristina Ramos-Jalasco
- Gloria Ramos
They also have many grandchildren. Fidel V. Ramos passed away on July 31, 2022.
Musical Talent
Besides her love for sports, Amelita Ramos is also a talented amateur pianist. She has performed music on several occasions with a band called the Executive Combo Band.
Honors and Awards
Amelita Ramos has received special honors from Spain:
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