FOR making Cebu City the “great city” that it is, President Arroyo lauded city officials and local businessmen for the success the City has achieved, which she credited largely to the South Road Properties (SRP).
rArroyo counted the 290-hectare SRP as her administration’s best partnership with the City Government, and the opening of the Cebu South Coastal Road as one of the most significant events of her presidency.
During last night’s 73rd Charter Day celebration, where outstanding individuals and institutions were also honored, she told city officials that she is glad to see her administration’s investments here are paying off.
“We have also invested in Cebu City... but I think that our best partnership was our partnership on the SRP... I’m so happy to see that what has happened there has given so much progress to the City of Cebu, so much progress that you all deserve,” Arroyo said.
“Indeed, Cebu City continues to be the queen city of the Cebu and I congratulate not only the city officials but also the business community because you have made such a successful economy here in Cebu City,” she continued.
As the number one emerging business process outsourcing destination in the world, Cebu City is an important city not only in the Philippines but also in the international economy, the President said.
Arroyo attended the Charter Day awarding ceremony to receive the Order of Rajah Humabon from city officials, the highest honor or award the City Government could bestow on any individual.
Mayor Tomas Osmeña cited Arroyo’s three important contributions to the City—taking her oath of office here, setting up the Malacañang sa Sugbo in Cebu City and deciding to hold the Asean summit here.
Arroyo said she did these things to return the love and support that Cebuanos gave her and her family from the time she was senator, vice president and as president.
“We should never forget the honor that President Arroyo has done for us, it will probably never happen again. I think it is only fitting and proper that we give her the honor of giving her the highest award that we can bestow upon her,” the mayor said.
Some 1,500 city and barangay officials and employees witnessed the awarding at the Cebu City Sports Center last night.
As proof of the SRP’s success, Osmeña received from Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) a P269.5-million check representing its second payment for the SRP lot it bought last year.
An additional P70 million will be paid next month because FLI will accelerate development in other areas of the lots covered by the joint venture agreement with the City, subject to the approval of the City Council, City Administrator Francisco Fernandez said.
The mayor said the City is capable of sustaining the P100-million scholarship fund for all public high school graduates in the coming years.
“The issue has been made whether the City can afford to sustain supporting college students every year. Let me just demonstrate to you that we have the capability to sustain this, not only P10,000 for each student, maybe even P20,000 to P30,000,” Osmeña said, before calling FLI vice president Tristan Las Marias for the turnover of the check.
Osmeña thanked the City Treasurer’s Office, the city and barangay officials for cooperating in maximizing the City’s revenues.
“I am also asking forgiveness from all those who have been victims of my strictness, but my priority is always the future of Cebu City, which will never be compromises,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Cebu City government paid tribute to Cebuanos who had “remarkable” contributions to the growth of the city.
“They have proven their worth and the true sense of service and the sense of patriotism,” said Vice Mayor Michael Rama in his speech.
Awarded with certificates of appreciation were James Gochiulim for his 30-year service as fire marshal of Filipino-Chinese Volunteers Fire Brigade, Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, Cebu Muslim Community leaders and Ma. Victoria Yulo.
Outstanding Individual Awards were given to Dr. Felix Vicuña Jr. for conducting free medical missions, Msgr. Rodolfo Villanueva for his literary works and musical arrangements, Ambassador Francisco Benedicto for being a top diplomat in Singapore, Korea and China and Ambassador Philippe Lhuillier for promoting economic development and tourism.
The Cebu Market Vendors Development Cooperative was awarded as an Outstanding Institution for its success in promoting the principles of a cooperative.
Former City councilor Hilario Davide III was given the Outstanding Executive and Legislative award while the late councilor Rogelio Osmeña was given a Posthumous
Award for enacting laws and safety in the city’s transportation system.
The Mayor’s Special Award was given to the Alpha Kappa Rho for coming to the mainstream society and becoming productive citizens.
The same award was also given to the Bagong Aliyansang Makabayan, which was represented by Nacionalista Party senatoriable Satur Ocampo, for not disrupting the peace and order during the Asean Summit, the Parish Security Group, the 51st Marine Reserve Batallion, San Nicolas Police Station for being the top police station in the whole country, the City’s Barangay Intelligence Network and the Cebu Investments Promotions Center represented by Joel Mari Yu.
Other awardees were Miss Cebu 2009 Kris Tiffany Janson, Punta Princesa chief barangay Tanod Rene dela Cerna for risking his life to protect his people, Lt. Tito
Ranara, PN, for winning the most outstanding reserve battalion in the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines, Luz Barangay Captain Nida Cabrera, Dr. Myrilene Mendoza and Sen. Sergio Osmeña III for giving assistance to schools.
The mayor also awarded Sen. Mar Roxas “for being instrumental to saving the economy and for being responsible in bringing business process outsourcing company in Cebu City.
In yesterday morning’s ceremony, Osmeña thanked all those who contributed to the growth of the City, particularly those whose names may never be known yet whose efforts helped move the city forward.
“Behind the Don Vicente Ramas, behind the Serging Osmeñas, there are many people who make things possible…. Salute to all the people who contributed to the growth of this City,” he said.
He honored barangay tanods who were shot in the line of duty.
“It’s people like these who go out of their way to make City strong,” the mayor said in emphasizing the dedication of its residents that made Cebu City a success.
During the flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall yesterday morning, Vice Mayor Michael Rama also said that genuine desire to serve means more service and less politics.
He said that the Ramas like him who are into public service, in upholding the legacy of Don Vicente, will strive hard to be worthy.
He said they will render honest service and not use their position to enrich themselves.
“Madato apan magduko maglakaw kay ang inyong gikaon sa panimalay dili man gikan sa singot,” he said. (LCR/PDF/RHM)