CH honors Vicente Rama in city’s 86th charter day

CEBU, Philippines —  As Cebu City marked its 86th Charter Day yesterday, the city government, headed by Mayor Michael Rama and Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia, continued to “move forward and lead the race into a Singapore-like city.”

“No celebration of Cebu City’s charter day would also be complete without also remembering and honoring the great man who authored the bill transforming the Municipality of Cebu into Cebu City and likewise served as its inaugural mayor. I am referring of course to Don Vicente Rama,” Garcia said.

“My dear friends, remembering our origin, and our history as a city is ever more vital as we continue to move forward and lead the race towards a Singapore-like Cebu City. As they say, you can’t really know where you’re going until you know where you have been,” added Garcia.

He also thanked everyone that has contributed to the city’s success and expressed full support in achieving a Singapore-like city while also stressing the value of teamwork.

“To borrow the favorite slogan of our dear mayor, Mike Rama, we must never forget to work as a TEAM, for Together Everyone Achieves More. As we celebrate our 86th Charter Day, I earnestly hope and pray for the continued support of everyone, from both those of us in the Cebu City Government and in the private sector. By working hand in hand, we can truly build a bigger and brighter Cebu City for the future,” ended Garcia.

For Rama, it was another emotional moment as he draws inspiration from no other than his grandfather, former Mayor and Senator, Vicente Rama, who is the father of Cebu City.

The mayor was teary-eyed during the wreath-laying ceremony down to delivering his Charter Day message to the Cebuanos.

Rama relates to his grandfather who “single-handedly” fought for Cebu’s cityhood amid the opposition of fellow politicians and how he is dealing with criticisms and doubts of some who don’t believe in their vision.

Aside from his grandfather, the mayor also acknowledged former Mayor Tomas Osmena for leading the way to public service and the late mayor Edgardo Labella for their bond and partnership.

“In an occasion like this, missing will always be a part,” said Rama.

“This is a significant declaration, that February 24, 2023 we will continue to be free and we will continue to do what we ought to do, deserving an 86th Charter Day celebration sa pagbuhat sa atong syudad,” he added.

Meanwhile, the 86th Cebu City Charter Day celebration ended with the young Cebuano World karting champion William Go and award-winning songwriter Jude Gitamondoc named as the Most Outstanding Individuals of Cebu City at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Go, only 14 years old, became the first Pinoy to be a world champion in the sport of karting.

Go’s parents accepted the award on his behalf as the young multi-titled karter is currently in Europe for training and races.

Just as what the city government is aiming, Go, at a very young age, is sacrificing being away from home to be able to “move forward and lead the race”, hopefully, at the Formula 1 stage someday soon.

Mediaman and active civic and community leader, the late Elias Baquero and Dr. Miguel Mancao, one of Cebu’s pioneer surgeons who also passed on his knowledge to others, were honored with a Posthumous award.

Former Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu was also among the Mayor’s Special awardees together with some of the city’s elected officials, some private groups and companies, and individuals. — GAN (FREEMAN)