Ceremony held for family of distinction

CEBU, Philippines - After the “honest mistake” of being “overlooked” during the Cebu City 76th city charter anniversary testimonial dinner, the Rodriguez clan representatives have received their plaque of award for being one of the 75 “families of distinction.”

In a simple ceremony, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama handed the recognition to Medellin Mayor Ricardo Rodriguez Ramirez who was with his wife and son, relatives Spanish Consul Jaime Picornell, and Manuel Rodriguez Garcia with wife Ana Garcia.

“On behalf of the City Government, we would like to extend our sincerest apologies,” Rama said before handing the plaque to Manuel Garcia inside the mayor’s office.

The group had a short chitchat before the actual turnover attended by the group of respected Cebuano women who spearheaded the selection of the 75 families.

Ms. Odette Jereza, chairman of the “Diamond Core” as the group is called, was present with her members Dr. Romula Savellon, Dr. Ester Velasquez, and vice chairman Ms. Alice Quiblatin.

Two other members, Dr. Madrilena dela Cerna and Dr. Hope Yu could not make it due to prior schedules.

Ramirez was initially “embarrassed” after attending the awarding and ended up not being assigned a table and not called up stage despite the personal invitation from the organizers.

But after speaking with Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) head Glenda Gabuya who called Ramirez the next morning after learning about the logistical lapse, the northern Cebu mayor understood that what happened was an accident.

“I am happy that we have finally got our family’s award. All is well that ends well, indeed,” Ramirez told The FREEMAN after the simple awarding at Rama’s office.

The year-long activities for the 75 families of distinction started in 2012, during the 75th city charter anniversary and ended this year at the testimonial dinner at Waterfront Hotel Cebu together with the awarding of individuals and institutions that have helped the city through the years. (FREEMAN)