Vicente Rama, Serging O share limelight today

To mark Cebu City’s 78th founding anniversary today, flowers will be offered for both the late Don Vicente Rama and Sergio “Serging” Osmeña Jr, whose brass statues stand at Plaza Sugbo in front of City Hall.
The twin tributes are the first time the Charter Day rites honor both leaders, who served as past mayors.
In previous occasions, the focus was on former Senator Rama, the “father of the Cebu City charter” who has a bust sculpture in the fire department office along N. Bacalso Ave.
Mayor Michael Rama didn’t find the location in the fire office a fitting venue, and had two new life-size statues made.
Today is a special non-working holiday in Cebu City by virtue of Republic Act No. 7287 declaring Feb. 25 every year a holiday.
A 7:30 a.m. Mass will be officiated at the Plaza Sugbo grounds presided by Fr. Jonas Mejares, rector of the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino.
In the program after the Mass, a welcome will be given by architect Melva Java followed by a message from Mayor Rama and a performance by the Sandiego Dance Company.
Raja Rama Nuñez will give a response on behalf of the Rama family.
This year’s theme is “Steering the City towards a Better and Brighter Future.”
In the evening, is a testimonial dinner at the Marco Polo Plaza and launching of a coffee table book about the “75 Families of Distinction” in Cebu City who were recognized during the 75th anniversary in 2013.
Awards will also be given to different individuals, groups and organizations who have brought honor to Cebu City.
In February 24, 1937, Cebu officially became a chartered city through Commonwealth Act No. 58 as a result of a bill sponsored by Vicente Rama. The first mayor was Alfredo Jacinto. Rama served as mayor until August 1940./Reporter Jose Santino S. Bunachita