The late World War II veteran Manuel Segura
WITH the theme, “Continuing public service above self,” the Cebu City government celebrates the city’s 77th Charter Day today.
Prior to today’s observance, a series of activities were kicked off by the city government last Feb. 14.
A Mass and a flag-raising ceremony opens today’s celebration at the Plaza Sugbo grounds fronting the City Hall’s legislative building.
This is followed by a floral offering to the bust of Don Vicente Rama at the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) compound along N. Bacalso Ave.
Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.
Rama, grandfather of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, is considered the father of the Cebu City charter, lobbying for the proclamation of Cebu as a city by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 58 on Feb. 24, 1937 or 77 years ago.
The then municipality of Cebu, which was under the Cebu provincial government, became an independent chartered city, the third in the Philippines after Manila in 1571 and Baguio in 1909.
A testimonial dinner and awarding ceremony of outstanding individuals and institutions will cap today’s celebration at the Marco Polo Hotel.
Share a Child Movement founder Esperanza Valenzona (who died last January)
There is also an ongoing inter-department services showcase at SM City Cebu that opened last Feb. 17 and ends on Feb. 28.
On Feb. 28, there will be an awarding ceremony for outstanding Cebu City youth leaders, the last activity marking the celebration.
Cebu City Hall celebrated Family Day with its employees at the senior citizens park last Feb. 15.
A Don Vicente Rama memorial lecture was held at the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation in Lahug last Feb 19.
An agro fair was also opened at the Plaza Sugbo on the same day and ended on the 22nd.
Last Thursday, a “super show” was staged by City Hall employees at the Plaza Sugbo.
On Feb. 22, Saturday, the city awarded outstanding Cebu City government employees while a fun run for a cause for the Cebu City Medical Center was held yesterday. Correspondent Jose Santino S. Bunachita