Christmas 2009 is my best so far, says Tom

CEBU, Philippines - As far as Mayor Tomas Osmeña sees it, this has been his best Christmas celebration ever.

The mayor said he has many reasons to be happy these days after surviving urinary bladder cancer.

Osmeña said that he is now cancer-free following the successful operation last April although he still has to go for a regular medical check up but the mayor requested his doctor to move his check up explaining that he wanted to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Cebu and to lead the Sinulog festivities.

Another reason for his happiness is his son Miguel’s graduating Summa Cum Laude.

The younger Osmeña has recently completed his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at the University of California Los Angeles.

“This is the best Christmas that I ever had, kay nawa gyud ang akong kanser, what more do I want? unya ni-graduate akong anak Summa Cum Laude sa UCLA, what more do I want? Happy kaayo ko,” Osmeña said.

The mayor, however, foresees uncertainty in the country next year due to the coming elections where the people will again choose new leaders to guide the government.

Osmeña, however, clarified that Cebu is not relying the national outcome of the elections since the city is prepared to move on its own.

The mayor added that ever since he assumed office as mayor his main objective is for the city to become self-reliant.

“Even no matter what happens sa election we are ready to make our own decisions and move on our own,” Osmeña said.

This is because, Osmeña said, the city has started to generate funds from the sale of South Road Properties and this will continue next year.

He disclosed that aside from big capitalists like Filinvest Land Inc. and SM Prime Holdings, more investors will soon follow.

Aside from the impending SRP development, the mayor mentioned some high rise buildings around the city which are now under construction.  — Elly Bolonos/BRP (THE FREEMAN)