Officials of Cebu City offer flowers on the statue of Don Vicente Rama, the Father of the Cebu City Charter, on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. CDN Digital photo | Delta Dyrecka Letigio
CEBU CITY, Philippines — More service, less politics.
This was the reminder of Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama during the celebration of the 84th Charter Day of Cebu City and the commemoration of his grandfather, former senator Don Vicente Rama, who championed the city’s charter in 1937.
Rama said that Don Vicente was a committed public servant who chose to provide service to the people than focus on politicking among his opponents.
Despite this principle, Don Vicente was a renowned Cebuano who managed to prevail over all the politicking Cebu has experienced on its journey to becoming a city.
The vice mayor said the principle of service over politics is needed now more than ever as the city struggles from a persisting pandemic.
“This pandemic will bring the best character who will deserve to run this country, run this city. The pandemic will bring the best of anyone who is not afraid,” said Rama.
The vice mayor and Councilor Eduardo Rama, Jr., who are the grandson and greatgrandson, respectively, led the wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of their clan patriarch in front of the Cebu City Hall on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.
Mayor Edgardo Labella could not attend the ceremony as he is still recuperating from an ear infection in his home at Barangay Bacayan.
Rama said that political leaders should look to Don Vicente for inspiration to serve with sincerity to the Cebuanos and forego political bickering and jealousy for the progress of the city.
“Magdaghan ang panerbisyo, menosan ang pulitika, (more service, less politics) that is the very statement of my grandfather, Don Vicente Rama. What is happening in the city now? Are we remembering the very importance of public service above self?” said the vice mayor.
The vice mayor thanked those who braved the commemoration for not letting the fear of COVID-19 stop them for giving honor to the Father of the Cebu City Charter.
/bmjo
Related story: 84th Cebu City Charter Day: ‘Limited’ physical wreath laying and virtual celebration expected