Don Vicente’s legacy inspires new generation of Rama clan

CEBU, Philippines - The family of the late Don Vicente Rama, father of the Cebu City Charter, yesterday recalled how the legacies of their patriarch inspired the younger generations of the Rama clan.

Michelle Mae Rama, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s niece, who spoke in behalf of the family during the 77th Charter Day celebration of the city yesterday, said that the legacies of her great grandfather serve as their guiding principles in life.

“In my case the person whom I look up to, is no other than, Don Vicente Rama.  Integrity and good governance, these are the legacies handed down to our generation,” she said.

According to her, she heard that her great grandfather was a strict man, a good father, lover of the native tongue and lover of public service.

“The documents of our ancestral house in Museo Sugbo are the evidence that his love for good governance is extraordinary,” she added.

On February 24, 1937, Don Vicente Rama authored the Commonwealth Act No. 58 which granted Cebu its city status. Cebu City used to be a municipality of Cebu Province.

Don Vicente Rama was appointed by then President of the Commonwealth Manuel L. Quezon as the first mayor  of Cebu City and was later elected as senator of the Republic in 1941.

Michelle recalled that her great grandfather was also a newspaper publisher. He published a Cebuano newspaper called “Bag-ong Kusog” that featured local literary pieces.

Don Vicente was also an advocate of Dr. Jose Rizal’s works—Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

The 77th Cebu City Charter Day celebration started with a mass at the Plaza Sugbo, followed by the floral offering to the monument of Don Vicente at the Bureau of Fire Protection Office.  (FREEMAN)