National Artist Ramon Valera, the illustrious Filipino fashion designer, will be given full military honors when his remains are transferred to the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig on his 95th birthday on Aug. 31.
The hero’s burial follows his conferment as National Artist in the field of Architecture, Design and Allied Arts (Fashion Design) in 2006.
Valera, who died in May 1972 at age 60, is the first fashion designer to be proclaimed as National Artist by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo upon the recommendation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
The conferment was held at Malacañang Palace on June 9, 2006.
During his brief lifetime, Valera created gowns and ternos for Philippine First Ladies from Aurora Quezon to Imelda Marcos.
He was the only male couturier among his contemporaries like Pacita Longos, Marina Antonio, Purita Escurdia and Mina Roa who could design, cut, baste and sew all by himself.
He was known to discard a finished gown if it did not meet his standards.
Last May, his high school alma mater, De La Salle, bestowed on Valera the Distinguished LaSallian Award, the highest and most prestigious honor given by the De La Salle Alumni Association to an alumnus who earned distinction for his vision, leadership, management and integrity in his chosen fields.
Valera’s hero’s burial will be attended by his only surviving sister, Lulu Valera-Zulueta, nieces, nephews and other close family members.
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