Serging Osmeña honored

CEBU, Philippines —  The city government of Cebu paid tribute to Sergio “Serging” Osmeña, Jr. on his 105th birth anniversary yesterday.

Right after leading the city-wide clean-up drive, Cebu City Mayor Michael “Mike” Rama and Vice Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros rushed to the City Hall to lead the “wreath-laying” ceremony.

“Our respect for the Osmeñas will never diminish, will never be deleted, not even minimized. It will stay because they did something for the City of Cebu. Serging, you are now being remembered continuously. We are proud of you. You did something for us,” said Rama.

Hontiveros, for his part, felt that the late Serging Osmeña had the “biggest shoes to fill,” that being the son of Cebu’s grand old man, Sergio Osmeña Sr.

“He must have had the biggest shoes to fill, being the son of the Grand Old Man of Cebu himself. His father was the first Cebuano President of the country, Sergio Osmeña. But Serging rose to prominence on his own accord, and was always associated…interestingly enough…with the word fiscalizer,” said Hontiveros.

Hontiveros was reminded of such word because of Rama who keeps on reminding them of it when the latter was still a vice mayor and presiding officer of the City Council. As “fiscalizer” they are expected to examine, manage and regulate affairs in the City of Cebu.

“On record, this doesn’t seem to be a real word, but instead is one coined by Filipino politicians perhaps in the early 60s to describe someone who fought valiantly for a cause. Whether it is made up or should it enter the dictionary soon, it is the perfect way to remember the man. And also, the perfect way to emulate him,” added Hontiveros.

Both Rama and Hontiveros also took the time to remind others who have not yet been vaccinated to get it now and for others who have already completed the primary series six months ago or so to get the booster shot now.

Aside from the two city officials, yesterday’s activity also saw the presence of the Knights of Rizal, Cebu City Legal Officer Atty. Eugene Orbita, Cebu City Acting Administrator Engr. Suzzane Ardosa and other department heads, along with LTCol. Sandro Sereno of the Visayas Command, CG Capt. Christopher Auro, Deputy Commander of Coast Guard District Central Visayas, Senior Fire Officer 2 Alexander Labuga of the Bureau of Fire Protection, as well as Station Commanders of different Police Stations along with PCol. Wilbert Parilla, Cebu City Police Office’s deputy city director for operations. — KQD (FREEMAN)