Basak San Nicolas barangay chairman George Rama (center with sunglasses) and his cousin, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama (left) with Lumad Basakanon choreographer Dennis Navarro during the awarding rites at the Sinulog 2013. (CDN FILE PHOTO)
The Cebu City Council passed a resolution conferring a posthumous award for exemplary public service to Basak San Nicolas barangay chairman George Rama who died from bronchopneumonia last Monday.
The same resolution authored by Councilors Hanz Abella and Gerry Carillo also allowed the official’s remains to be brought to the Cebu City Hall for viewing.
George Rama was cited for his stint as a Cebu City councilor in 2001 to 2004 during which he chaired the committee on public services.
He co-sponsored several ordinances including the ordinance that created the Coastline Management Board and the cleanup after every Sinulog celebration.
He also amended an ordinance creating the Cebu City River Eco Park Management Commission.
Success
“His exemplary life as a dedicated and selfless public servant epitomizes the true meaning of public service and his untimely demise is a great loss to the people of Cebu,” read the resolution.
George Rama served as barangay chairman of Basak San Nicolas and even founded the renowned Lumad Basakanon which achieved success in the Sinulog Festival.
He spent more than 30 years in public service and is survived by his wife Geraldine and their only son, 15-year-old Paul Edward.
His wake is currently held at the Rama’s ancestral home inside the Rama compound in barangay Basak San Nicolas.
Several personalities, friends and allies sent flowers to the wake including Vice President Jejomar Binay, TV broadcaster Korina and Interior and Local Governments Secretary Mar Roxas, Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and Rama’s cousin Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and his family.
Pillar
On usual days, the Rama’s ancestral house is a school for caregivers which is registered with the Technical Education and Schools Development Authority.
Mayor Rama said his cousin’s remains will be brought to Cebu City Hall for a necrological service on Tuesday, February 3.
On the same day, he will be buried at the Cebu Memorial Park. “He was a pillar of Team Rama. George is a colorful person, amazing, and a one-of-a-kind character,” Mayor Rama told reporters at the wake of George yesterday.
Since the posthumous award was given by the City Council, he said George’s family will receive the award during Cebu City’s Charter Day next month.
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