Arsenio Villanueva Street, Cebu City

It is the road which leads from F. Ramos Street going towards and ending at the junction of R. R. Landon Street which was formerly known as Pelaez Extension.

Arsenio R. Villanueva was admitted to the Philippine Bar on Dec. 5, 1931 and was appointed as Provincial and City Fiscal of the Province and City of Cebu. He was appointed and took his oath as the first Vice Mayor of Cebu City on July 16, 1948. The Cebu City Charter (Commonwealth Act 58) which was enacted in 1937 was amended by Republic Act 244 (approved on July 12, 1948) and created the position of Vice Mayor. The new law requires that the Vice Mayor shall be appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, providing a salary of P4,800 pesos per year. Other positions created by the law are the Director of Health, Director of Education, City Engineer and the Law Department headed by a City Fiscal and three assistant fiscals.

A.R. Villanueva, was removed from office (Vice Mayor) together with Pepino S. Najarro, the Assistant Chief of Police by President Elpidio Quirino by virtue of Administrative Order No. 182 dated June 9, 1952. Two years later (Apr. 17,1954), he co-founded the Associated Labor Union with fellow practicing lawyers, Januario T. Seno, Democrito T. Mendoza, Cecilio T. Seno and Candido  Vasquez.

His house (at the street now named after him) was burned in one of the biggest fires in Cebu City, this was on Apr. 21, 1956 which started at the Recreation Hall of the Philippine Constabulary Camp at Jones Avenue (now called the Camp Sergio Osmeña, and the street is now called President Sergio Osmeña Boulevard). The fire burned down hundreds of houses, with 30,000 homeless. Another victim of the fire was the Chief of Police of Cebu City, Arcadio Lozada.

The Cebu City Council on Mar. 10, 1980 enacted City Ordinance No. 1055 naming the street in honor of a public servant, who served with distinction and dedication. His wise counsel and experience greatly helped in the formulation of the basic policies which led to the growth and progress of the city government.

As one of the illustrious son of Cebu City, A.R. Villanueva deserved the honor of having a street named after him, thus the City Mayor at that time, Dr. Florentino S. Solon signed into law the street naming on Apr. 7, 1980. The Secretary to the Mayor at that time was Romeo D. Sta. Cruz, while the Secretary of the City Council was Pompio A. Paradiang.