Don Vicente Sotto's 135th birth anniversary commemorated

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu yesterday celebrated the 135 birth anniversary of Don Vicente Sotto, the Father of Cebuano journalism and whose family was declared as among the “75 Cebuano Families of Distinction.”

The late senator was also given recognition yesterday by the Cebu City Government for establishing “Ang Suga” on June 1907, the first Cebuano publication.

Also regarded as the Father of Cebuano language and literature, Sotto was known after his first literary work entitled Mameng. He also wrote, directed and produced the first Cebuano play, Elena, which was performed in Teatro Junquera on May 18, 1902. 

Sotto had also contributed to the national media. During his term as a senator, he authored the Press Freedom Law which has been protecting the rights and privileges of journalists even until now.

Today, his grandson, Senator Vicente Sotto III, continues to uphold the law and intends to expand it in order to cover the new generation of media.

Meanwhile, Senator Sotto III shared his past experiences with his grandfather at a ceremony yesterday at the Sinulog Hall, Rizal Memorial Library and Museum Building, Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City.

Sotto said that his grandfather was his encouragement as he was growing up.

Meanwhile, Sotto said that he is happy and thankful to the Cebu City Government for initiating such event.

“On behalf of the Sotto family, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the whole Cebu City Government for commemorating my grandfather’s achievements which have contributed to the whole Cebuano community,” added Sotto

Among those who came to the event were Senator Sotto’s aunt, Dr. Suga Sotto-Yuvienco, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and former congressman Antonio Cuenco. — (FREEMAN)