You may have heard his name in the news: Frederick “The Flash” Ramirez… a fast-rising athlete who is making waves and winning gold medals, in national as well as international track and field events. But did you know that he comes from humble beginnings?
Frederick’s family was a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the flagship anti-poverty program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Thanks to this program, Frederick was able to finish school, discover and develop his talents, and is now on his way to a bright future!
Image Credit: Frederick Ramirez / Facebook
Former 4Ps Beneficiary Now Represents PH Abroad
Frederick’s life story was featured in a press release by DSWD Field Office 1 – Ilocos Region. The article recounts his childhood, education, sports activities, and his amazing achievements!
Family and Early Childhood
Frederick was born in Ilocos Sur and raised in Santo Tomas, La Union. The fourth among five children, his mother passed away in 2016, and it was up to his father, Eulogio, to take care of him and his brothers. Unfortunately, Eulogio’s meager earnings as a coastal fishermen was often not enough to sustain the family’s needs. Life was a daily struggle, and Frederick’s dreams seemed out of reach.
Getting Support from 4Ps
Soon, the family became a member of 4Ps, a DSWD program that provided educational grants, health grants, and other benefits. According to Frederick, 4Ps was one of the reasons why he was able to graduate. Driven to succeed and uplift his family’s living situation, he did his best in school, while honing his athletic skills.
After graduating from high school, Frederick became a student-athlete at Jose Rizal University – Vicente Fabella. As part of the university’s athletics team, it was here where his prowess in sports really started to shine!
Transformative Power of Sports
“Marahil ganito na lang ako habambuhay kung hindi ko bibigyan ng pagkakataon ang sarili kong mahanap kung sino at ano ang kakayahan ko (Perhaps I would have remained like this forever if I had not given myself a chance to find out who I am and what I can do),” Frederick recalled, describing a time before he decided to engage in sports. “Wala nang pag-asa ang buhay ko. Wala akong determinasyon at lakas ng loob upang pagbutihin ang buhay ko (My life was hopeless. I did not have the determination and courage to improve my life).”
“Conquering my life as a student-athlete had a lot of challenges,” Frederick reflected. “I triumphantly overcame these with perseverance, patience, and unshakable fighting spirit. I trained myself to run without thinking of any burden. I run not only for myself but more especially for my family. I did not search for sports but it found me.”
Image Credit: Frederick Ramirez / Facebook
Frederick’s Athletic Achievements
These days, Frederick is on a winning streak, bagging championship medals while his list of achievements becomes longer and longer! Here are some of his major achievements, both inside and outside the country:
- Gold medals for 200 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters, and 4 x 400-meter relay at the 2016 National State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA);
- Gold medal for 400 meters (juniors) at 2016 National Open in Ilagan, Isabela;
- Gold medals for 200 meters, 400 meters, and 800 meters at the 2019 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 97;
- Bronze medal for the 4 x 400-meter relay at the 2019 Manila Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, along with fellow runners Edgardo Alejan Jr., Michael Carlo del Prado, and Joyme Sequita;
- Gold medals for 200 meters, 400 meters, and 4 x 400-meter relay; silver medal for 800 meters; and Most Valuable Player at the 2023 NCAA Season 98;
- Bronze medal for 400 meters, gold medal for the 4 x 400-meter relay with del Prado, Sequita, and Umajesty Williams at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games;
- Gold medal for 400 meters at the 2023 Taiwan Open;
- Gold medals and record breaker for 200 meters, 400 meters, 4 x 400-meter relay; bronze medal and record breaker for 800 meters; and Most Valuable Athlete at the 2024 NCAA Season 99; and
- Gold medal for 400 meters at the 2024 Thailand Open.
Latest Win: Gold Medal at Thailand Open
Frederick’s achievements have certainly captured the attention of many people, especially sports enthusiasts. Recently, on June 15, 2024, he bagged the gold medal at the Thailand Open Track and Field Championships, the Philippine News Agency reported.
Frederick won first place at the men’s 400-meter event, clocking at 46.58 seconds and setting a new tournament record. Fellow Pinoy runner Michael del Prado bagged second place with a time of 46.84 seconds, while Muhammad Ramdham from Indonesia came in third with 47.43 seconds.
Notably, Frederick promised to win the gold medal as a gift for his national coach, Jojo Posadas, who is also his mentor at Jose Rizal University. “I’m really happy because Coach Jojo came here in Thailand. He paid for his trip. It’s his birthday on June 20 and the gold medal is my gift to him,” the athlete said during an interview.
Coach Posadas commended the young athlete for his achievement. “It’s a good break for Frederick; it’s his first time to compete as an individual in 400 meters in the Thailand Open,” the coach stated. “He had a season’s best, which is his second best. His personal best is 46.53 seconds. I am happy because he fulfilled his promise of a birthday gift to me with his gold medal.”
Image Credit: Frederick Ramirez / Facebook
Video: Freddie “The Flash” Wins at Thailand Open
Recently, Frederick Ramirez won first place in the 400-meter dash at the Thailand Open. Watch his winning moment in the following video shared by Pinoy Athletics Facebook page:
About the 4Ps Program
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is a conditional cash transfer type of program that aims to improve the health, nutrition, and education of poor households. By providing health grants, educational grants, and other interventions, it seeks to help break the cycle of poverty and empower low-income households.
Final Thoughts
At the rate he’s going, Frederick Ramirez is bound to be one of the biggest names in Philippine athletics. He is definitely proof that through hard work, dedication, and support from programs such as the 4Ps — our young people have what it takes to achieve their dreams!
In the academic field, former 4Ps beneficiaries are reaching new heights, as well. Check out this article to learn more about a former 4Ps monitored child who topped the board exam, and is now a licensed geodetic engineer!