Top 100 Cebuano Personalities: Manuel Cuenco

CEBU, Philippines — Manuel Cuenco was the son of former governor Mariano Jesus Cuenco. He was a doctor by profession but was drawn into politics when President Manuel Roxas appointed him as the governor of Cebu in 1946.

He served as a governor during the declaration of Philippine Independence and after winning the local elections in 1947.

He had prioritized agriculture and education, considering that the province’s resources were affected during the World War 2.

He launched a food production drive utilizing scientific farming. Sudlon Agricultural School, built in a mountain site near the Cebu-Toledo Road, was created by virtue of Republic Act 9408 in August 2, 1948 under his administration.

His administration was also able to set aside a 30-hectare land in Barangay Lahug for farming purposes in coordination with the then Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

He was instrumental in putting an end to the political feud between his clan and the Osmeñas.  In 1963, Cuenco was appointed Secretary of Health by then President Diosdado Macapagal.