Ben Zubiri St., Cebu City
It is the whole strip of a formerly unnamed street located in Barangay Labangon, which starts from Salvador Street (Carlos Salvador Street as distinguished from Judge Celedonio Salvador Street) and ends at the junction of a formerly unnamed street now known as Gen. Lucio Java Street.
The street naming was in accordance with City Ordinance No. 1106 enacted by the City Council on August 31, 1981. The street is named after a born musician who, throughout his lifetime, poured out his talents not only in the art of singing but also in other forms of art like the drama and stage plays.
Ben Zubiri, who was born Wenceslao Zubiri, nicknamed Ben and later adopted the alias "Iyo Karpo." He was born on September 28, 1911 and died on November 9, 1969.
While serving the country as a guerilla during the World War II in Bohol met and later married Luz Butalid. Ben and Luz had the following children: Elnora (who married an Almendras), Edna, Elvin, Eleanor and Edwina. The wife of Ben, Luz died on the month of May 2007. Luz was one of the ladies (two sisters) who sang the song, SA LUNGSOD SA BUENAVISTA. It is in the town of Buenavista, Bohol that Ben Zubiri stayed during the World War II.
It was while he was in Bohol during the resistance movement that he wrote the ever famous song, 'Matud Nila." The other compositions of Ben Zubiri were the songs, Ikaduhang Bathala, Katulog na Inday, Tuhoi, Pasayawa ko Day, Mito-o Ako and Gugmang Gibati Ko. He also acted in the 1st Cebuano Film released, Bertoldo-Balodoy.
Ben Zubiri was the son of Jesus Zubiri of Lanao del Norte who died on July 5, 1956. After the death of Jesus, Ben was named Administrator of the Estate of the former in Lanao del Norte. Ben's mother was Sergia Dacayana, and he went to school in San Nicolas Elementary School.
Even after his death (Ben) in 1969 the litigation for the properties of Jesus Zubiri continued. This was between the widow of Jesus, Aurora Camara Vda. Zubiri. The cases were decided by the Supreme Court, first on December 17, 1966 and on May 29, 1980.
It was Dr. Suga Sotto-Yuvienco, Cebu City Councilor who sponsored the ordinance naming the street to perpetuate the memory of a resident of Cebu City who has contributed much for the development and enhancement of the Cebuano art and culture. Dr. Suga, also wrote a column for the The Freeman for many years. Coincidentally Dr. Suga celebrated her 95th Birthday this year, she was born the same year Don Paulino Gullas gave birth to the newspaper The Freeman in 1919.
The members of the council who were present and approved the ordinance were the following: Pablo U. Abella, Bienvenido B. Tudtud, Jesus G. Garcia, Jr., Emmanuel B. Aznar, Rodoflo Y. Cabrera, Jose V. Cuenco, Emilio Rm. Jaca, Vicente A. Kintanar, Jr. and Leonardo S. Manlosa.
It was approved by City Mayor Ronald R. Duterte, with Romeo D. Sta. Cruz as Secretary of the Mayor.
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