Mayor Rama fighting for Cebu City’s future –

CEBU, Philippines — The making of Cebu as a city was a lonely battle which Don Vicente Rama victoriously fought. Now his grandson, Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama will be fighting for a united Cebu and most especially his dream for Cebu City.

Ahead of the 87th Cebu City Charter Day celebration, Mayor Rama looked back at how his grandfather, Don Vicente, single-handedly fought for this LGU’s cityhood.

“Looking back, it was not an easy journey for cityhood…crab mentality, what else is new? Don Vicente Rama, fighting alone for the cityhood of this now- great city…fighting alone,” Mayor Rama said.

Like Mayor Rama, Don Vicente also had his political rival, Don Sergio Osmeña, whose grandson is now Mayor Rama’s own political rival, former mayor Tomas Osmeña.

“What else is new? Fighting alone for One Cebu Island…that is yours truly!” Mayor Rama added.

For 31 years in public service, Mayor Rama said he has persevered being persecuted.

“Here standing before all of you...dreams and aspirations are the emblems of true democracy...who will stop anyone from dreaming?...I have a dream, I have a dream, Singapore-like with Melbourne features for Cebu City...are you with me?” Mayor Rama asked the audience and awardees during the city’s 87th Charter Day celebration at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug the other night.

The mayor said he is aware that some camps are trying to lure others to form the opposition in a bid to beat him in the May 2025 election.

“As political temperatures rise, political demise in 2025 is being wished by my tormentors and opponents…still I am standing here as your mayor. Thank you Sugboanon, thank you Sugboanon…Patience, perseverance, and prayer…pray for me, my fam, let us pray for each other...And most of all let us pray for our country,” Mayor Rama said.

Mayor Rama also vowed to stay true to the Rama tradition of governance; honesty, humility, firmness, resoluteness, and the use of intelligence.

“Up to the last drop of my blood, I will spend public service above self…making service alive whether they like it or not,” Mayor Rama said as he asked for the continued support from his family, department heads, City Hall employees, the City Council, the private sector, and the Cebuano community.

Acting vice mayor Donaldo Hontiveros said in his message that the event is “not only a celebration of achievements, but also a call to continue fostering a sense of collaboration.” (CEBU NEWS)