78th City Charter Day

RICKY POCA
Think Bits

Allow me to congratulate the City of Cebu on the 78th celebration of its charter day today.

Let me share with you my response to the memorial lecture of Dr. Alicia P. Cabatingan in the 13th Don Vicente Rama Lecture yesterday at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation theater at Salinas Drive.

“I am Roderic Rama Poca, one of the grandsons of Don Vicente Rama. My mother Reynalda was one of the daughters of Sen. Vicente Rama.

In behalf of the Rama family, allow me to thank Dr. Alicia P. Cabatingan for her interesting and informative lecture about the life of my grandfather. Thank you also to the University of Southern Philippines Foundation for participating in the commemoration of the celebration of the charter day of the city.

My grandfather was known to put so much emphasis on the value of education. That is why most if not all his 13 children finished their college education and most of them became professionals. He once authored a bill that required the study of the novels of Dr. Jose Rizal – El Filibusterismo and Noli Me Tangere.

Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, his grandson, the incumbent mayor pursued his education in this prestigious university and is a very proud alumnus.

I would like to thank you for giving importance to the contribution of our grandfather to the city of Cebu and its people. The virtue that I would like us to highlight today was what my grandfather imbibed and exhibited — his passion and love for good governance.

I remember my grandfather telling his children to maintain honesty in all their work especially those in public service so that no one could accuse you of being dishonest or stealing from government coffers. Indeed, no legacy is so rich as honesty.

My grandfather did not just love public service, he was so much in love with Cebu. That is why he authored the bill making the municipality of Cebu a city despite opposition of different sectors of society acting out of political jealousy.

But why are we here celebrating the founding anniversary of the city? Historically, it is to remind us of the significance of the making of the municipality a city in 1937. It paved the way for progress and development in Cebu city without which we would not be what we are today.

The charter opened the gates of many opportunities for the city and its people. Celebrating it reminds all of us, especially public servants, of the utmost importance of honesty in government service that was exemplified by my grandfather and his children, specifically the late Cebu Gov. Osmundo Rama, Councilor Fernando Rama and Councilor Clemente Rama.

Today, his grandchildren and great grandchildren strictly observe the virtue of honesty and good governance in Mayor Mike Rama, Agusan del Norte Gov. Eduardo Rama, and City Councilor Edu Rama.

And finally, my grandfather was a journalist, politician and a public servant. Until today, we have continued that tradition as the Rama family betrothed itself to politics with members in the political arena like Mayor Michael Rama, and yours truly in journalism, as a columnist of Cebu Daily News.

So once again in behalf of the Rama family, allow me to express our sincerest gratitude to USPF and its president, the students and the public for keeping the flame of the charter celebration alive in the minds and hearts of the people.”

* * *

I think it is safe to demand that any investigation of the circumstances surrounding the Mamasapano tragedy and the Fallen 44 should come up with independent findings, and go deeper to determine the involvement of President Aquino and the US government.

We have not beeen getting a direct statement from the President about his specific role. His officials are busy covering up for him and hell bent on sparing him from the truth.

But slowly and surely the truth is coming out. I believe that regardless of how government officials try to conceal it from the public, the full picture is starting to be revealed especially with the presence of social media.

The President should make a full disclosure. After all, the public will be understanding.