Former President Fidel V. Ramos, in his speech during 'Pinatubo 25, Celebrating the Triumph of Kapampangans' Unity and Resilience,' said the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo is fortuitous for 2 reasons: it has helped speed up the withdrawal of the American forces from the country; and Central Luzon, with Pampanga at the center, was given a huge wake-up call and encouraged to look at its potential. ---Photo by Arlyn Lukban