Virginia Ranillo Papa

Virginia Kaper Ranillo-Papa was born on Nov.2, 1922 to Governor Matias C. Ranillo of Zamboanga and Sotera Kaper in Dipolog, Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines. Presently, Dipolog City is the capital of Zamboanga del Norte. She hoped to follow her father in politics and was studying Law at the University of the Philippines when World War II broke out.

Whilst taking care of her grandmother during the war, she met her future husband, Commodore Jacinto L. Papa , Jr. and together they had six children, Oscar, Imelda, Veronica, Valente, Victoria and Noel. She was also a loving grandmother to James, Patricia, Rachel, Alessandra, Jacqueline, Robert and John and a loving great grandmother to Cassey, Guiliana, Hunter Roy, and Lucas.

She was a Godly mother and devoted wife. Her utmost care and commitment to her duties reflected her strong faith and her gentleness of spirit nurtured everyone

through difficult times. She was elegant, gracious and always welcomed people from all walks of life. She loved life and was always a joy to be around.

After she moved to the US, she continued working on the legacy of her father and advocated for the Dipolog airport to be named after him. Her father initiated the building of the airport during his term. Her duty to provide public service was instilled in her by her parents at an early age. The land where the current National High School and Elementary School as well as the Disaster Evacuation Center which is situated in Lawigan, Labason, was a donation from her parents who were great believers in community service and education as an investment for future generations. She continued to support the school well into her advancing years and received in return much gratitude from the school staff and students.

She was honored to witness the recognition accorded to her husband as the first professional mechanical engineer of the Philippine Navy and the enduring legacy of his professional work ethic such as helping in the establishment of the Philippine Coast Guard, and eventually took charge of the development of the Philippine Government Arsenal located in Lamao, Limay, Bataan from 1968 to 1975. To honor him, a bronze bust of her husband stands at the Commodore Jacinto L. Papa, Jr. Administrative Building at the Government Arsenal.

In her nineties, she translated and published her father’s poem written during World War II from Bohol-anon dialect to English in the book “The Landing”.

To have a Godly mother lived to 100 years is the most precious gift from God.

“We feel honored and blessed to have you for a loving mother and devoted wife to Daddy. You always loved us unconditionally and you are truly the best mother anyone could wish for. Until we meet again…dearest Mommy, rest in peace in the loving arms of the most Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.”

Your loving children: Oscar, Mel, Only, Val, Vicky and Noel