City officials led in Charter Day activities

City Hall officials and employees yesterday commemorated the 70th charter day of Cebu City by honoring and remembering the late Don Vicente Rama, the "Father of the Cebu City Charter."

The celebration started with a Mass at 7:30 a.m. in front of the Pahina Central Fire Station along N. Bacalso Avenue, where the statue of Don Vicente is located.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Vice Mayor Michael Rama led the City Hall officials and employees in celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of the Cebu City's charter.

But even before the Mass ended, Osmeña left to attend an important occasion in the mountain barangay of Buot-Taup leaving his wife Margarita "Margot" Osmeña to finish the celebration.

On behalf of the mayor, Vice Mayor Rama, the grandson of Don Vicente, delivered the welcome address and inspirational message for the City Hall officials and employees.

Representatives Raul del Mar and Antonio Cuenco, of Cebu City's north and south districts, respectively, also attended the occasion along with councilors Hilario Davide III, Glena Bontuyan, Arsenio Pacaña, Jocelyn Pesquera, Edgardo Labella, Edwin Jagmoc and Procopio Fernandez and city hall administrator Francisco Fernandez.

In his speech, Vice Mayor Rama urged those present to be one in commemorating the creation of the city's charter to and work together for the progress of the city.

He also enumerated several of the achievement of Don Vicente Rama and encouraged the city hall officials and employees to never forget the legacy of his grandfather who worked for the city to have an identity.

The laying of wreath and offering of flowers on the statue of the Father of the Cebu City Charter highlighted the celebration.

The vice mayor's son Mikel Francisco also delivered a response on behalf of the Rama clan.

"We should always consider ourselves very fortunate for being given the chance to reap the rewards stemming from what out forefathers have sown. However, we should also be constantly wary of the responsibilities which were borne on us along with such benefits," he said.

He also urged everyone to always keep their best efforts to maintain and to carry on Don Vicente's vision to always keep his dream alive.

"Let us strive to grow, be strong and let all out efforts to make Cebu great-bear fruit as tribute to these, our illustrious roots," he said. - Wenna A. Berondo/BRP