Amelita Ramos

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Amelita "Ming" Martinez Ramos is the wife of Philippine President Fidel Ramos and was the twelfth First Lady of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. Ming Ramos was in many ways a remarkable First Lady, despite possessing a rather retiring character. Prior to her, most other Filipino first ladies remain housebound housewives. Mrs. Ramos raised some eyebrows when, upon the election of her husband as president, she refused to give up her job as the registrar of a prominent Manila high school. Even as First Lady, she would dutifully report to the registrar's office, to the consternation of the traditionally-minded, and to the delight of female professionals.

President Ramos with First Lady Amelita Ramos is depicted during the 1998 Philippine Independence Centennial Celebrations at the balcony of the Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite Province.

Ming Ramos was a particularly visible advocate of the environment and of sports. The latter, not a field traditionally associated with first ladies, nonetheless received prominent attention from Mrs. Ramos, herself an active sportswoman. She was most associated with the sport of badminton, and served as the president of the Philippine Badminton Association. Her achievements in the environmental field are considerable as well. She was a passionate campaigner for the rehabilitation and conservation of the Pasig River, a cause which received prominent attention during the Ramos years. She continues to be active in efforts devoted to the Pasig River.

Ming Ramos was also recognized as a talented amateur pianist. She performed on several occasions with the Executive Combo Band of Raul Manglapus.

Ming Ramos also received considerable public sympathy when in 1993, the Philippine Daily Inquirer published a front-page story revealing an alleged past love affair between President Ramos and the socialite Rosemarie Arenas. Mrs. Ramos kept a dignified silence, and the scandal has had no visible impact on the Ramos's decades-long marriage.