City execs express ‘gratitude’ on Serging’s 107th birthday

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government has commemorated Sergio “Serging” Osmeña’s 107th birthday with some of the clan members in attendance to express their gratitude to him.

They are also hoping that the values the late public servant championed will go on for the betterment of the Filipinos.

Acting Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros, fresh from a few days trip to Australia, highlighted Serging’s unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, public service and nation-building.

Hontiveros hopes that such an event becomes a reminder to show appreciation to the late three-term mayor, governor, congressman and senator’s pivotal role in shaping Cebu City and his contributions to the rest of the country while also hoping to be inspired with it to continue doing good for others.

“He was a true statesman…A senator, governor, congressman and a three-term mayor of Cebu City…We are reminded of his unwavering commitment and the pivotal role he played in shaping Cebu City and even the Philippines,” Hontiveros said.

Interestingly, Hontiveros also stressed “gratitude” that is something innate of Serging as well.

“My grandfather (Sgt. Osmundo P. Cabanes), used to be the bodyguard of late sir Serging..They also have the same birthday as my lolo and same blood type—G (gratitude). When that night happened in Plaza Miranda, sir Serging mentioned to my lolo, Cabanes, adto na lang dapit didto sa sakyanan…and we all know what happened after that,” Hontiveros said.

In conclusion, Hontiveros said, “may it be a moment of reflection, inspiration and unity as we carry forward the torch of his legacy for the benefit of the Cebuanos.”

Mayor Michael Rama via live feed from Australia, was happy to see some of the Osmeña clan in attendance including one of the daughters of Serging, Georgia Osmeña, along with Annie Osmeña-Aboitiz, Margot Osmeña-Larañaga, and Councilor Jun-Jun Osmeña, among others.

Rama described Serging as “a President we would have had” given his track record.

Rama also echoed what Hontiveros said, gratitude as he also thanked one of Serging’s sons, former mayor Tomas Osmeña “for bringing me for the city officialdom.”

“Aptly said by Dondon, that was what I already had in head, because that was what I was thinking, the word is---gratitude…Kinahanglan ato ng eturok sa atong alimpatakan, e-epoxy sa atong dughan..wala gani tay gratitude, we should not have existed in this world,” Rama said.

Meanwhile, acting Mayor Raymond Garcia also said he hopes the life of Serging Osmeña will be an inspiration for the rest, especially to the youth.

"As we look back to celebrate the life of this exceptional Cebuano, this outstanding Filipino, it is my earnest hope that his example will inspire all especially our youth," Garcia said.

Georgia Osmeña told fellow Cebuanos to serve and help others even without statues built in one’s honor.

“Service does not need to obtain the stamp of validation from (the) elective office. All of us who care about the state of our beloved Cebu can become servants even in our capacities as private and ordinary citizens,” Georgia said. — (FREEMAN)