THE second edition of the biography of the late Foreign Affairs Secretary Narciso R. Ramos, a foremost son of Pangasinan, will be launched by his son, former President Fidel V. Ramos, on March 25.

The launching of the biography of the pioneer diplomat and statesman will coincide with the celebration of ex-President Ramos’ 80th birthday on March 18.

The new edition of the 320-page coffee table book is titled “An Enduring Legacy: The Life and Times of Ambassador Narciso Ramos” authored by Melandrew T. Velasco, has been expanded to include new chapters and historical insights that document and put in their historical context the contribution of the late top  diplomat to the building of an independent Philippines.

“The first edition was an intimate biography of the man. The new edition highlights the significance of his deeds as a public servant,” said Fe Mangahas, history professor and former chair of the Department of History at St. Scholastica’s College, Manila.

The 180-page first edition, titled “Nachong,” was released November 11, 2000 in time for Secretary Ramos’ birth centennial.

The new edition documents his public career starting with his days as a journalist-lawyer championing the cause of the exploited and the poor, to his legislative work as part of the independence movement in the Commonwealth Congress, to his role as a guerilla leader and finally, as a professional diplomat.

The enduring parts of his accomplishments included his efforts at getting the United States to do its part in rebuilding a newly independent Philippines from the ruins of war, plus witnessing how other developing nations carved their own destinies in South America and Asia.

Ramos also fought to shorten the coverage of the U.S.-RP Military Bases Agreement from 99 to 25 years.

It was his son, Eddie as President, who later converted the American bases and facilities into successful economic zones.

The late Foreign Affairs chief was also one of the architects of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that evolved with a pivotal role of his son, now a member of the ASEAN Eminent Persons Group, into the only functional economic bloc in Asia until the early 21st century.

“An Enduring Legacy” is co-published by the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation, Inc. and Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc.

Cover design and overall lay-out of the book were done by MTVi creative director Michelle M. Cabrera.

To date, Velasco has authored four other historical biographies namely: “In A Class of Her Own: The Life and Times of Angela Valdez Ramos” published in January 2005; “Jacinta: A Filipino Japanese Saga” published in June 2005; “Uncle Sim: The Life and Times of Simeon Marcos Valdez” released in February 2006; and “Mommy: The Life and Times of Jose Jara Martinez, The Pillar of Social Work in the Philippines” published in September 2006.—LM

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