President Sergio Osmeña’s letter to Bohol Governor Marapao

President Osmeña is the only president who made Leyte as his office. This was after the Leyte Landings in October 20, 1944. Reproduced is a letter addressed to a fellow Bisaya:

Letter of His Excellency Sergio Osmeña

President of the Philippines

To Bohol Governor Conrado D. Marapao

[Sent to Bohol, December 16, 1944]

Tacloban, Leyte

December 16, 1944

My dear Governor Marapao:

I wish to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated November 14, 15, 22 and 30, 1944. I consider the information you gave me in your letters about the conditions in your province very valuable as they help me get a true picture of the situation.

As you know, our government is not supposed to resume its functions in any given area until it is free from the enemy and this fact is so certified to me by the United States Army. I have therefore transmitted your reports to the Army with a request that all possible assistance be rendered.

I wish to take advantage of this opportunity to ask you to convey to the patriotic people of Bohol, as their governor, my message of gratitude and hope; gratitude, as your elected leader, for the way the people of Bohol have faced the emergency. Loyalty and courage were their armor, and with bravery and determination they faced the enemy. As a Cebuano, I am also profoundly grateful for the generous hospitality of the province in giving shelter to the many evacuees from Cebu. That is a debt of gratitude that will never be forgotten. I also say hope because I am confident that the long dark night of captivity is almost over. The United States, speaking through its great President, has promised the Filipino people that they will be liberated from the invader; and the present successful operations in Leyte under the command of General MacArthur are the sure beginning of our liberation. I am praying to God that the task be completed soon. It will then be my privilege to be once more in your hospitable shores and to greet all of you personally.

Sincerely yours,

(SGD.) SERGIO OSMEÑA

President of the Philippines

Honorable Conrado D. Marapao Governor of Bohol In the Field