‘Public service was his legacy’

AMIDST political differences, Cebu City officials were asked to work for the common good of the city’s constituents as the City Government commemorated yesterday the 134th birth anniversary of the late president Don Sergio Osmeña Sr.

Msgr. Robert Alesna, who officiated the mass, reminded city officials of the legacy of Cebu’s “Grand Old Man.”

“Don Sergio worked hard for the common good and public welfare. He brought fame and glory, never for himself but for Cebu and the nation. He left a legacy of great standards in the tradition of public service,” he said.

Like Don Sergio, Alesna also told city officials to change the lives of the people in the city, particularly the marginalized and the underprivileged, with their leadership and their positions in the government.

Offering

Yesterday, city officials, barangay officials, City Hall department heads and employees, police and other government agencies, among others, offered flowers at the marker of Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. at the corner of Osmeña Blvd. and Lapu-Lapu St. to honor the late president.

Mariano “Mimo” Osmeña, great grandson of Don Sergio who spoke in behalf of the Osmeña clan, also encouraged government officials to uphold the principles and ideals that the late president had.

“Don Sergio focused for the good of all. We all know that life is short so we should put our acts together in order to benefit the future generation, to free them from fear and hunger,” he said.

Mimo then asked public officials to put the people first rather than their own selves, which is the same principle that Don Sergio upheld.

Don Sergio’s 42 years in public service began in 1904, when he served as the youngest governor of Cebu. He was 25. Four years later, he became speaker of the First Philippine Assembly.

Don Sergio became senator and was elected vice president in 1935. He then became the president following the death of president Manuel Quezon in 1944.

Absent

During yesterday’s event, only few members of the Osmeña clan were present. Aside from the family of Mimo, it was only attended by Rosalina Osmeña Valencia, youngest daughter of Don Sergio, the family of Rep. Tomas Osmeña (Cebu City, south district) and the family of City Councilor Richard Osmeña.

Rep. Osmeña said he doesn’t know why other members of their family including Sen. Serge Osmeña III, among others, were not able to attend the event, although invitations were sent to them.