“Come to Cebu Our Cebu,” Amb. Frank Benedicto’s book contribution to Cebu

Cebu’s diplomat-philanthropist has recently launched a book he commissioned to promote Cebu to the world. The book is entitled “Come to Cebu Our Cebu”. It is written by Dorothy Delgado Novicio (author of the book, “Journeys, the Rosary in the Lives of Wandering Women” published by St. Paul’s Philippines and writer-contributor in the Travel and Tourism Section and the StarWeek Magazine of The Philippine STAR).

The conception of the book started in 2018 when Ambassador Benedicto brought up the idea of publishing a complimentary magazine to promote Cebu. The book features tourism attractions in the province, ordinary individuals who manifest Cebuano spirit, and messages from the leaders of the church and government. The book’s author, Dorothy Novicio, was assisted by three professionals and two students from Benedicto College (owned by Ambassador Benedicto).

The opening paragraph of the foreword of Ambassador Benedicto in the book reads:

“Cebu is one of the most important metropolitan areas in the Philippines. It is one of the most developed provinces in our country. It is also huge - three independent cities, six component cities, 44 municipalities, one main-island and 167 surrounding islands and islets. Cebu, therefore, is a significant destination for almost everything-trade and investment, tourism, education, culture, creative industries and many more.”

Ambassador Francisco “Frank” Lo Benedicto, son of Don Bernardo Benedicto and Doña Emelia Lo Benedicto, is an alumnus of the Colegio de San Jose-Recoletos and a recipient of the university’s Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa (1987) is a top diplomat for having served five presidents for 25 years as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Singapore, Republic of Korea, Brazil, Canada, India, and China and as Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs. He expanded the family’s business, B. Benedicto and Sons Company into education (Benedicto College, now with two campuses, in A.S. Fortuna, Mandaue City, and Benedicto Street, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City) and the FLB Center, located in the Ayala business district, home to one of the top financial services companies in the country.

The closing words of the foreword of the book says: “Their rousing words of wisdom will definitely inspire Cebuanos, especially the youth and the next generation of leaders. On the other hand, their plans and vision and what their respective cities have to offer in terms of business opportunities would entice entrepreneurs to invest in their localities. Based on my experience, I can assure you that Cebu has some of the best public servants in the country who are very passionate about the continuing progress and development of our province”.