City names street after businessman

CEBU, Philippines — After 10 years of waiting, the Edgar Cokaliong Street in Barangay Carreta, Cebu City was finally unveiled yesterday in a ceremony attended by the Cokaliong clan, city officials, family friends and supporters.

"Ma, I have fulfilled my promise," said the teary-eyed and emotional Chester Cokaliong to his 83-year-old mother, Gregoria, before unveiling the street named after his father.

Named before as Third Avenue, this street used to have many patches and potholes that no one wants to pass, until in 2010 when, during the time former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and now vice mayor, the road was cemented.

A resolution was then filed 10 years ago by former Cebu City Councilor and now Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella renaming the street, but it was only approved last year.

"Street naming is not an easy thing to do," said Chester, the chief operating officer and chief executive officer of Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc.

Labella said it is but fitting to honor the man (Edgar Cokaliong) who engaged into textile and shipping industry and have helped so much the economic growth of Cebu, especially Cebu City.

Rama said Edgar Cokaliong should be honored and recognized for helping shape what Cebu City is today.

Cebu City Resolution 25-49 stated that the death of Edgar Cokaliong in 1989 did not stop the economic growth of the city, but instead this continued up to this time.

It added that the Edgar Cokaliong Foundation Inc. has continued to provide scholarship to poor and deserving students of the city.

Even up to this time, the textile and shipping business started by Edgar Cokaliong continues to give employment.

"My father inculcates in us the value of humility, discipline and wisdom to which we have been practicing at present," Chester added. (FREEMAN)