Gwen: Lito made Cebuanos proud

CEBU, Philippines —  With the passing of former governor Emilio Mario “Lito” Renner Osmeña, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said Cebu lost a great man and a Cebuano who was proud to be a “Sugboanong Probinsyano.”

“Because of that, the word ‘Promdi’ acquired a new meaning – that of excellence and the capability to achieve great things” Garcia told The FREEMAN.

Garcia said that beyond Osmeña’s remarkable accomplishments, his greatest legacy “will be to have made us all truly proud to be Cebuanos.”

During his term as governor, Osmeña embarked on a massive campaign meant to spur economic growth across the province. Under his helm, several projects were implemented which Cebuanos continue to enjoy until today such as the sale of the 46-hectare Club Filipino Golf Course in a public bidding to Ayala, which is now the current Cebu Business Park.

His administration approved the sale of the old Lahug Airport lot, where the present Cebu I.T. Park stands.

Osmeña led the recovery of Cebu from the devastation of 1990 Typhoon Ruping, as well as the immediate repair of the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge.

 “I just hope that we honor his memory as we go malling in Ayala, go to work in IT Park or when we cross the 2nd Mactan Bridge and go up to the Trans-Central Highway or when we admire the grandeur of the Capitol at night. All these started with Lito Osmeña,” said Garcia.

Osmeña’s former colleague at the Capitol, former Provincial Board member Jose Ribomapil “Joeyboy” Holganza Jr.

Holganza is now floating the idea of naming the Trans-Central Highway as the Emilio Mario Renner Osmeña Highway.

“Let's make this a monument to a remarkable Cebuano,” Holganza said.

Holganza recalled that when he was elected as PB member in 1988 under an opposition lineup, Lito accepted him and George Aznar like they were his own candidates.

“Those were heady days and I started getting the measure of Lito as a leader and public servant,” Holganza recalled.

Before Lito was elected governor, Holganza had already been sitting in the PB following his appointment by then Minister of Interior and Local Government Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr. from mid-1986 to head the PB committee on sports during the time of then governor Osmundo Rama up to his election in 1988.

Holganza turned the front space in front of the Capitol entrance into a basketball court where kids in neighboring Capitol Site started hanging out in the playground every afternoon.

 “Not long after he (Lito) assumed as governor, he had the basketball court removed. When I asked why, I was told that we should treat the Capitol building with dignity as it was one of the most beautiful public buildings in the country. I was told that the building was going to be repainted and spotlights will be put in place. Lo and behold, the Capitol became a postcard level attraction,” Holganza said.

Holganza added that Lito, a focused and driven man, and wife, Annette, had brought “class” to the Capitol.

“The Capitol then felt youthful, kinda like the vibes you get at I.T. Park today. It was open to all, regardless of political party,” he further said.

For Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr., Osmeña played a great role on Cebu's progress and what it has become today.

“Governor Lito played a very big part on what makes Cebu it is today, especially as far as economy is concerned. We lost a great man and an institution of Cebu but di lang makalimtan gyud sa tawo iyahang gibuhat and that’s why his name and memories will live on forever,” Gullas told reporters.

Interment

Osmeña passed away at the age of 82 on Monday night. The family has not disclosed the cause of his death.

His remains were cremated Tuesday afternoon and will be interred at the family-owned Skyline Garden Columbary at Tops, Busay, Cebu City, according to a post by his son Mimo. No date was given yet for the interment ceremony.

“Those who wish to say goodbye. There will be a shrine by this afternoon (Tuesday) at Skyline. A ceremony will be conducted when my mom gets well and leaves the hospital. Thank you for all your condolences,” read Mimo’s post.

Mimo also posted a photo captioned: “Skyline Garden Columbary. Lito’s new condo in the sky! With his parents and grandparents.”

Last February 3, 2021, the remains of Lito’s brother, former senator John Henry Osmeña, were also placed at the same spot.

The columbary is located along the Cebu Trans-Central Highway which Lito opened during his one term as governor of the province in 1988 to 1992. It connects Cebu City in the east and traverses the mountain areas up to the town of Balamban in the west.  — Gregg M. Rubio, JMD (FREEMAN)