Letter to the Editor — Cebu's memorable governors

The province of Cebu was founded by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi on August 6, 1565 hence in every August 6 our province celebrates its Founding Anniversary.

At the Capitol social hall, a gallery of pictures of Cebu governors since 1900 are chronologically displayed with their names written beneath so as to vividly remember the worthwhile deeds and achievements plus their respective tenure in office.

The list of governors who added luster and glory to our province is headed by Sergio Osmeña Sr. (1904-1906) who later on became President of our Commonwealth from the latter part of 1944 until April 18, 1946.

Governor Mariano Jesus Cuenco (1931-1933) became Senate President in the early 60's. His son, Governor Manuel Cuenco (1946-1951) became Secretary of Health in 1963 as appointed by the late President Diosdado Macapagal.

Governor Sotero Cabahug (1934-1937) became the Secretary of National Defense in 1946 and Justice Secretary in 1959.

But the governors who encountered difficulties in their administration were Hilario Abellana and Osmuindo G. Rama.

Abellana was the governor in 1941 until 1943 when the might of the Japanese Imperial Forces was imposed in our country while Rama was the governor when martial law was proclaimed throughout the nation in 1972 by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

The following governors are also worth-remembering: Julio Llorente, Dionisio Jakosalem, Fructuoso Cabahug, Sergio Osmeña Jr., Jose Briones, Francisco 'Kikoy' Remotigue, Rene Espina and Eduardo R. Gullas.

Emilio 'Lito' Osmeña was the governor from 1988 to 1992 and was also the forerunner of 'Cebu-boom' during his incumbency. He was also the economic adviser of former President Fidel V. Ramos from 1993 to June 30, 1998.

Governor Vicente 'Tingting' dela Serna was the first provincial chief executive to assume the tenure of three years in office as provided for under the 1987 Constitution.

During the short-lived tenure of former President Joseph 'Erap' Estrada, dela Serna was the Deputy Executive Secretary.

Next in line is former Governor Pablo 'Pabling' Garcia who will go down in the annals of Cebu's political history as the thrice-reelected since 1995 until June 30, 2004.

He was followed by his daughter, Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia who is dubbed as the First lady governor in the province.

Now, let's watch whether she could ever follow the footsteps of her father in Cebu politics who lorded over Capitol for nine consecutive years.

This year's momentous event is the 437th Founding Anniversary where several activities are being lined up so as to make the occasion more memorable and more meaningful in the hearts and minds of the Cebuanos. Jenner S. Lobedica
San Remegio, Cebu