Establishment of FVR Library and Museum pushed

To honor and enshrine the legacy of former President Fidel Valdez Ramos, Pangasinan 2nd District Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil urged his fellow lawmakers in both houses of Congress for the immediate approval of House Bill No. 8367 calling for the establishment of the Fidel V. Ramos (FVR) Library and Museum in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

In filing the bill, Bataoil, a retired two-star police general and house committee chair on Veterans’ Affairs, took cognisance of Fidel V. Ramos being the 12th President of the Philippines, as a retired 4-star general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and whose life as a public servant cannot be overemphasized.

“Known as one of the heroes of the 1986 People Power Revolution, FVR, as he is more popularly called, embodies the virtues and inimitable characteristics of a statesman, soldier and citizen,” Bataoil said.

The role FVR played in the annals of Philippine history during his service in the military and term as achieving Philippine President can be recounted through numerous records, publications, writings, letters and essays, and other materials and objects defining his epoch in Philippine presidential history.

“His achievements must be properly enshrined and carefully documented for the benefit and knowledge of generations to come. For this purpose, a library dedicated to his honor must be established and located in his hometown or any place significant to him such as his birthplace in Lingayen, Pangasinan,” Bataoil added.

The FVR Library and Museum shall be placed under the supervision of the National Library of the Philippines and shall be the sole custodian and repository of all materials and items related to the former Philippine president.

The bill on the establishment of FVR Library and Museum is expected to be certified as urgent by President Rodrigo Duterte and to have smooth sailing in the lower house under former President now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

If approved, the legacy of former President Ramos will certainly be housed in one establishment similar to the presidential libraries and museums in the United States where items, memorabilia, books, letters, videos and other objects and items will be kept safe, well protected and promoted.

“At the ripe of 90, FVR continues to soldier on as a senior statesman and a grateful nation owes him a debt of gratitude for his service, honor and duty to our beloved nation. This FVR Library and Museum is the best gift we can think of to honor his legacy,” Bataoil said.