It is the street formerly named as "Espana" in Barangay Parian, Cebu City. The honoree, Juan Cerilles Zamora was born on Mar. 30, 1906, he was the son of Paz Zamora of Dalaguete, Cebu.
He was Mayor of Cebu City from 1942 to 1944 upon the request of Gov. Hilario Abellana (the latter was later executed by the Japanese Imperial Army shortly before the end of the war). He was one of the first set of councilors in the City of Cebu from 1937 to 1941.
Juan married Jesusa Cui, who was the daughter of Julian Sanson and Marta Cui of Carcar, Cebu. Juan and his wife had seven children: Leonor who married Isidro Astillero, Rosario married Emmanuel Quinan, Jose Felix married Jesusa Agpasa, Ruperto married Guadalupe Guarino, Mario Primo married Alicia Sakay, Bernardino married Norma Mercado and Lydio (doctor) married Thelma Odulio.
Juan was part of those called the "Wise Men" during World War II as their opinions were given weight by the Japanese Imperial Army and the Filipino guerillas. The other "Wise Men" were Buenaventura Veloso, Vicente Rama, Jose Avila and Senator Celestino Rodriguez.
Juan succeeded Jose Delgado (a lawyer), who was Mayor from 1940 to 1942, when the Japanese Imperial Army occupied Cebu City. Juan was later succeeded by Dr. Leandro Tojong after the war.
The Cebu City Council on Aug. 5, 1971 enacted Ordinance No. 721 renaming "Espana Street" to "Juan C. Zamora St". The members of the city council then were: Jose L. Rodriguez, Acting Presiding Officer, Florencio S. Urot, Presiding Officer, Bienvenido B. Tudtud, Floor Leader, and City Councilors: Arturo L. Abellana, Caridad A. Trocino, Jose V. Arias, Jesus S. Gabuya, Pablo U. Abella and Jose V. Cuenco.
The Cebu City Mayor at that time was Eulogio E. Borres, the Secretary of the Council was Leodegario C. Salazar while the Secretary to the Mayor was Ribomapil E. Holganza.