September 9 declared non-working holiday

CEBU, Philippines - On Monday, Cebu will celebrate the 135th birth anniversary of the late president Sergio Osmeña Sr., known as “The Grand Old Man.”

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 06953, September 9 has been declared a holiday to give Cebuanos time to commemorate his birthday.

The act was signed into law by then president Corazon Aquino on May 2, 1990 in honor the late president.

The law declares September 9 of every year as special non-working holiday in Cebu City and the province.

Department of Labor and Employment Memorandum Circular No. 01 provides that workers in private sector who work on the day are entitled to a 30-percent increase in their basic salary rate.

Osmeña, known as the first Filipino statesman, was born on September 9, 1878. He became Cebu’s acting governor, provincial fiscal, provincial governor, member of the First Philippine Assembly and Speaker of the House at the age of 29.

He spent his 42 years in public service. In his early career of public life he worked as the editor of El Nuevo Dia. At the age of 25, Osmeña served as governor from 1904 to 1906.

He was the Speaker of the First Philippine Assembly in 1907 at the age of 29, the youngest ever. He also became a senator and was then elected vice president in 1935.

At the outbreak of World War II, Osmeña became one of the most famous politicians in the country and became acting president in 1943 and later succeeded the presidency when president Manuel Quezon died in New York during exile.

The “Grand Old Man” who brought fame and glory not only to Cebu but the entire Filipino nation died on October 19, 1961 at the age of 83. — (FREEMAN)