CEBU, Philippines — On the 83rd Charter Day anniversary of Cebu City yesterday, Vice Mayor Michael Rama recalled the greatest lesson he learned from his grandfather, Don Vicente Rama, who is dubbed as the “Father of the City's Charter”.
“He (my grandfather) said: The government that I will run will be teeming with services, with lesser politics. Those are his words,” Rama said in Cebuano at a program at the City Hall grounds yesterday morning.
He said Don Vicente's words became his guiding principle when he entered politics in 1992.
“Please do not forget my lolo, even if I will not be here anymore. While I am alive and I am in government, up to the last drop of my blood, I will never allow anyone to prostitute and do an act of sacrilege of Don Vicente Rama,” said the vice mayor.
The celebration yesterday was led by Mayor Edgardo Labella and Rama with some city councilors and officials.
Rama recalled that on August 31, 1931, a resolution was filed calling the Senate House to enact the conversion of municipality of Cebu into a city.
He said it was only Don Vicente who answered the call “singlehandedly fighting for City Hall.”
“That's why every February 24, we, the Ramas, will always be passionate. We, the Ramas, will always be emotional. Because we always look back and the pride we have that we have our grandfather who singlehandedly fought for City Hall,” said Rama.
Meanwhile, Labella described Don Vicente as an “epitome of morality in public service, an epitome of humility in public service worthy of emulation from all of us.”
“We are now enjoying the fruits of the hardwork, perseverance, and perhaps the friendly persuasion that Don Vicente Rama used in convincing the other legislators from the other parts of the country to make Cebu as a chartered city,” said Labella.
He enjoined everyone, particularly the city officials and employees to live up to the expectations, passion, and advocacy of Don Vicente to give honor, meaning, and substance to what he did for the city.
During the program, Cebuano topnotchers of national board examinations, centenarians, and loyalty awardees were also recognized.
Teofila Castino of the City Treasurer's Office (CTO) was the recipient of the loyalty award. She has been serving the city government for 45 years.
Five centenarians were awarded and given cash amounting to P100,000 while the nine topnotchers were awarded plaques of appreciation. (FREEMAN)