Rama, friends remember Don Vicente

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and some personalities recounted the accomplishments of former senator and Cebu City mayor Don Vicente Rama ahead of the city’s 85th Charter Day.

Don Vicente Rama's families and friends gathered over the weekend at the Rama Compound in Barangay San Nicolas, praising the former for his "bravery."

"Bisan tuod sa daghang nitabon nga mga dekada apan nagpabiling buhi sa kasingkasing sa mga Sugboanon ang matahom  nga legasiya nga iyang gibilin dinhi sa ato sa Sugbo,” said Cesar Albor, president of the Kapihan sa Sugbo.

Don Vicente Rama championed the city’s charter in 1937.

He became the second Cebu City mayor. However, he holds the title as the first Cebuano Cebu City mayor as the first Cebu City mayor, Alfredo Jacinto, was from Gapan, Nueva Ecija.

Based on the article of the late columnist Clarence Paul Oaminal of The Freeman, Don Vicente Rama was a legislator prior to his appointment as Cebu City mayor. He was elected as representative of the old 3rd Congressional District of Cebu in the 6th Philippine Legislature (1922-1925) and in the 7th Philippine Legislature (1925-1928). The old 3rd Congressional District of Cebu was composed of the municipalities of Talisay, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, and Carcar. He last served the district in what was called the 10th Philippine Legislature in 1934 which was abolished in 1935 with the passage of the 1935 Constitution.

Don Vicente Rama was an incumbent congressman of the old 4th Congressional District of Cebu then composed of the municipalities of Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, and Alcoy in the 1st National Assembly convened in 1935 when he was persuaded by then President Manuel L. Quezon to accept his appointment as Cebu City mayor.

Don Vincente Rama was appointed by President Quezon on September 14, 1938 as Cebu City mayor. Later, Rama submitted his resignation letter to President Quezon on July 2, 1940 and was able to formally relinquish the position on August 2, 1942 after his successor, lawyer Jose Delgado, was formally appointed.

Don Vicente Rama ran in the re-instituted Senate in 1941 which was abolished by the 1935 Philippine Constitution. This time the senators were elected at large instead of the original setup where they are elected by what was called the senatorial districts.

Don Vicente Rama rose to national prominence with his election as senator in the election held on November 11, 1941.

Don Vicente Rama served the Senate until May 22, 1947 and died on December 24, 1956, his name untarnished and reputation highly regarded.

Beginning today, memorabilia of Don Vicente Rama will be displayed at the City Hall as part of the city’s Charter Day celebration.

The city commemorates every 24th of February.

The 85th Cebu City Charter Day opened with a feeding program in the barangays last February 17, followed by a fun run and other games at the Cebu City Sports Center over the weekend.

The rest of the week’s activities include a youth-oriented day highlighted with the contest of Balakwit or balak and awit on the 22nd, awarding for the Most Outstanding Employees on the 23rd and grand raffle draw and massive vaccination at the City Hall on the 24th and end the day with a testimonial dinner. — KQD (FREEMAN)