Officials reminisce Serging’s contributions to Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - In celebration of the 99th birth anniversary of the late senator, Sergio “Serging” Osmeña Jr., former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña highlighted the accomplishments of his father, particularly his contributions to Cebu City.

“I think my father is remembered because of his many projects for Cebu City,” Osmeña said, in his speech yesterday.

Tomas cited the top three most successful projects of his father, namely the Export Processing Zone, the Mactan Cebu International Airport and the North Reclamation Project.

Tomas also shared about his father’s career in politics, especially when Serging was elected as the first mayor of Cebu City.

“As a matter of fact, before martial Law, he was directly elected as the City Mayor of Cebu, not only once but five times,” said Tomas.

Tomas shared that he learned a lot of lessons from his father, who was his source of inspiration in making visions to reality.

“We are not only celebrating his birthday but also all the people who helped him on making Cebu what it is today,” Tomas said.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella also shared his memories of the late senator’s heroic service for Cebu City.

“As a growing teenager those days, I saw how Cebu City evolved under Senator Sergio Osmeña. Jr., and I am one of his fans,” Labella said.

Labella said that in 1951, Senator Osmeña was the one who pushed for freedom and democracy in Cebu City. In 1958, Serging was elected as representative for the 2nd district of Cebu.

“While he was in congress, he was awarded as one of the outstanding legislators because of his focalizing ways,” Labella explained.

Without Serging, Labella said he cannot imagine how Cebu would be.

“Every time December 4 comes, I always hope and pray that the generation today and the future generations would be reminded that once upon a time there was  a great Cebuano who knows good governance, service transparency, and public accountability, he provided a better life for us people in Cebu,” Labella said. — Angelica R. Libodlibod/USJ-R Communication Intern (FREEMAN)