Cebu City Celebrates 89th Charter Day with Emphasis on Unity and Integrity
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Cebu City officials and employees gathered to honor the city's 89th Charter Day, paying tribute to Vicente Rama, the author of Commonwealth Act 58 that granted the city its chartered status in 1937. The event served as a reminder of the city's political autonomy and the ongoing responsibilities of leadership and citizenship.
Honoring the Legacy of Vicente Rama
Mayor Nestor Archival highlighted the significance of Vicente Rama, often called the "Father of Cebu City," for his role in drafting Commonwealth Act 58. Archival emphasized that the city's charter is not just a legal document but a shared commitment to public service. He urged government workers to lead with integrity to preserve the founders' legacy, especially after a year marked by significant challenges.
Messages of Discipline and Accountability
Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, represented by his chief of staff Raymund Paul Taboada due to prior commitments, stressed that Cebu City's progress has long been built on discipline and accountability. Osmeña's message underscored that true governance is measured by citizens' experiences, such as safer streets, efficient services, and restored trust in government institutions.
Commemoration Activities and Budget
The day's events began with a mass at Plaza Sugbu officiated by Rev. Fr. Josephus Remonde, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony led by Mayor Archival and Cebu City Police Office Director Col. George Ylanan. Notably, no former mayors attended the morning ceremonies despite invitations. The city allocated an estimated P3,558,500 for the celebration, covering costs for the wreath-laying, a testimonial dinner and production, and a "History of Charter" photo exhibit at Ayala Center Cebu. Prior activities included a Praise event organized by the Human Resource Development Office on February 20.
Awards Recognizing Contributions
The celebration culminated in a testimonial dinner honoring individuals and institutions for their contributions to Cebu City's development. Among the Outstanding Individuals, Elreen Ann Ando was recognized for her sports achievements as a two-time Olympian and multi-medalist in the Southeast Asian Games and World Championships. Nilo Ferrater Rusiana was honored for 28 years of service in the music ministry at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.
Posthumous awards were conferred on Max Sherwin Limpag for environmental protection and heritage preservation through journalism, Errol "Budoy" Marabiles for promoting Cebuano culture via music, Rosario Chua for literacy and education efforts, and Rosa Carmen Tenazas as a pioneer in science and the first female archaeologist in the Philippines. Institutions like the Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise and Mayari Animal Rescue Organization Inc. were also recognized, along with the distribution of ten Charter Day plaques and 80 Mayor's Special Awards.
