Don Vicente Rama was ‘tougher than Pacman’

DON Vicente Rama was remembered yesterday by a grandson as a “disciplinarian” in the family with a passion for honest public service.
A cousin of Mayor Michael Rama, Raja Rama-Nunez, gave the response on behalf of the family in the Charter Day morning program outside City Hall.
As a legislator, Don Vicente fought “alone” in the national assembly to get the city charter passed in 1937 against objections of several Cebuano civic and political leaders.
Raja recalled his “Lolo Inting’s” life as a principled family man and politician based on stories from his mother and relatives.
Don Vicente was a disciplinarian who never took advantage of his government position to enrich himself or his family, said the grandson.He believed no one was above the law.
“Lolo Inting was given the Christian name Vicente in honor of St. Vincent Ferrer. In Latin it means ‘to conquer.’ I think this is not coincidence. Vicente Rama was in his own right a conqueror. When he believed in something, he made sure that no stone was left unturned to make that something into a reality. It is precisely this kind of mentality that made him father of Cebu City Charter. Don Vicente Rama’s legacy has inspired us to become better Cebuanos and contributors to the society,” he said.
Don Vicente’s political career showed him to be a “workaholic.” He was a municipal councilor then a Representative of the third district in 1922, 1925 and 1934. He became mayor of Cebu in 1938 and was elected senator in 1941.
“You think Manny Pacquiao is tough? What till you know my Lolo Inting. He was a fighter. He fought for approval of the Charter of Cebu City despite efforts of political leaders who opposed it. It was not an easy path for Lolo,” said Rajo.
After the speeches, the Rama clan offered flowers to a new bronze statue of Don Vicente outside City Hall.
In previous years, the ceremony was done at the Bureau of Fire Protection Compound where a bust of Don Vicente still stands. Mayor Rama still went there after yesterday’s ceremony. He said he would continue this custom even though a new monument was made. /Reporter Jose Santino Bunachita