The last World War II veteran in Negros Oriental who passed recently will always be remembered for his brave and heroic deeds as he fought in the guerilla resistance to end the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.
The late 2Lt. Urbano F. Ramirez of the Philippine Army (retired) was born in Tanjay City on June 26, 1926, and turned 98 this year.
A certification from the Philippine Army in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City showed that Ramirez, at 17, was part of the guerilla service from Dec. 19, 1943 to June 16, 1945, and was discharged from the service on Aug. 20, 1948.
He was reenlisted in 1950 in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and rose from the ranks, starting as a Private until his retirement where he became a 2nd lieutenant, records show.
Naida Ramirez Clemente, in her 70s and the only living offspring among four, told the media that she was born in Manila, and their family had lived there for years while his father was still in active service.
Her parents returned to their hometown in Tanjay after the veteran’s retirement in June 1975, and built a house and a farm that kept them busy throughout the years, Clemente said.
When he visited Manila once or twice a year, he spent most of the time at Camp Aguinaldo to visit his friends in the military service.
“Papa was a sports lover, especially in boxing where he was an undercard for Flash Elorde,” she said.
They would know if Ramirez won a boxing match because he would come home with goodies, she added.
“My fondest memory of my father is that especially during my elementary and high school years, he was supportive of everything that I did. Both he and Mama also helped take care of my children,” Clemente said.
“My father has always been my greatest source of support and wisdom, nurturing me every step of the way. He has instilled in me the values of courage in facing life’s challenges and fairness in decision-making”.
Maricel R. Garol, a niece of the late Ramirez, spent more than four decades with him as she was raised by the couple since she was a young girl.
Garol, who addressed the veteran as “papa”, said a famous story about him handed down from generations past was about him going around town having ended the life of a traitor who collaborated with the Japanese.
“That earned him the respect of the people who said he was brave and strong,” she added.
Other family members also had kind words and wonderful memories to share of the late war veteran.
“I will miss the way you salute me every time we see each other,” Nap Calumpang, a grandson-in-law said.
Leah R. Calumpang thanked Ramirez, “for being the wonderful grandfather that you were. I’m so grateful to have you and will cherish every moment we spent together”.
Another granddaughter, Lissa S. Ramirez, recalled how “we’ve talked a lot about how you bravely fought during the Japanese occupation in WWII.
Your love and dedication to the country as well as to your family will be cherished and remembered. Thank you, my greatest hero, my Lolo!”
Joy Napao, a caregiver of the veteran she called Lolo Lucio, also remembered him as a kind man and was funny, even in his old age.
Ramirez was among the 45 WWII Filipino Veterans in Negros Oriental who were awarded the United States Congressional Gold Medal during ceremonies at Silliman University here in December 2022.
The 98-year-old was laid to rest on Aug. 24 at a memorial park in Tanjay City, with full military honors accorded him by the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.
“Our patriarch of the family was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. To us, he was our heart,” daughter Nadia said. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)
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Photo Caption: FIL-AM HERO. The late 2Lt. Urbano Ramirez, 98, of Tanjay City, a guerilla who fought during World War II alongside allied forces to end the Japanese Occupation, passed on Aug. 17, 2024, and has been hailed a local hero. In 2022, Ramirez was awarded the US Congressional Gold Medal. (Photo courtesy of the Ramirez family)
