CEBU, Philippines — Rene Espina was elected governor of Cebu in 1963. Because of his massive road-building and rehabilitation program, he has earned the moniker as the “Road-Building Governor.”
Prior to his election as governor, Espina served as the youngest administrator of the Social Security System. During his term as governor in 1968, Espina also acted as a cabinet member after President Ferdinand Marcos appointed him as the Public Works Secretary.
With his place in the cabinet, Espina pushed the construction of the Mactan bridge that connects Mandaue and Opon. Later on he became a senator and a member of Marcos' so called "Presidential Adviser of Four" together with Jose Aspiras, Carmelo Barbero and Leonardo Perez.