CH honors outstanding individuals, institutions

CEBU, Philippines —  The city government of Cebu concluded its 85th Charter Day celebration honoring the late mayor Edgardo Labella and other personalities who served the city well in times of COVID-19 pandemic and typhoon Odette.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama handed over to the family of Labella the "Order of Rajah Humabon” award, the highest accolade given to an individual from the city government.

“The Rajah Humabon Award is the highest honor of the city. Rajah Humabon himself played a very vital role in the lives of the early Cebuanos. He led his people in the time of great transition. And the award is given to Mayor Labella, and this is as if the people of Cebu or Cebu City is thanking him for his service. But, I can tell you, my family can tell you, that if Mayor Labella was alive now, it would be him thanking the people of Cebu for giving him the chance to serve. He didn’t pick who to help, ma-datu o ma-pobre,” Eugene Labella, son of the late mayor said.

Lawyer Floro Casas Jr., who served as Labella’s administrator, was also given due recognition for “his dedicated service to the city as an outstanding public servant contributing to the productivity of the Cebu City Government."

Aside from Labella, other Charter Day awardees were former consul to Spain and CHAC Commissioner Jaime Picornell and Dr. Manuel Veolos. They were given a posthumous award for being outstanding individuals.

The Integrated Institute of Electrical Engineers-Cebu Chapter, on the other hand, was named as the Most Outstanding Institution.

Moreover, former Cebu City Sports Commission chairman Edward Hayco and Miss Universe runner-up Beatrice Luigi Gomez were also given special awards during the Charter Day celebration for all the honors and dedication they have given to the City of Cebu.

Rama also gave out special awards to the men and women and schools that helped out the city in its battle against COVID-19 and in the recovery from typhoon Odette.

Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros along with Councilors  Eduardo “Edu” Rama, Philip Zafra and Jerry Guardo were recognized for their "sustained leadership and commitment" during the city’s response and recovery from typhoon Odette and COVID-19.

Rama stressed that he cannot do it all alone and that he needs everyone’s support and cooperation to make great things happen.

“We, not I,…all of us together, we can make great things happen for Cebu City. Congratulations to all the awardees.  This is your night…I can always assure all of you…I will serve you heart, mind, and soul, to give service in the name of God,” said Rama. — KQD (FREEMAN)