TO HONOR and perpetually commemorate the works and contributions of Sergio “Serging” Osmeña Jr., top officials of Cebu City celebrated the public servant’s 107th birth anniversary, during the flag-raising activity on Monday,
Dec. 4, 2023.
Serging held various positions in public service— former mayor of Cebu City, governor of Cebu, congressman of Cebu’s second district, and senator of the Philippines.
During the wreath-laying ceremony at the Sergio Osmeña Jr. monument on the City Hall Grounds, Acting Mayor Raymond Garcia, in his address, expressed profound respect for Osmeña and acknowledged his significant contributions to the development of the city.
“Serging devoted his life to public service,” Garcia said.
“As we look back to celebrate the life of this exceptional Cebuano, this outstanding Filipino, it is my earnest hope that his example will inspire us all, especially our youth,” he added.
Garcia said Cebuanos should not only honor Osmeña but strive to emulate the good deeds he made in the city.
During a live Zoom conference from Melbourne, Australia, where Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is currently on vacation leave, Rama delivered a speech that centered on expressing gratitude for the works and deeds of Serging, emphasizing their significance to the people of Cebu.
Besides Garcia, also in attendance were acting vice mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros; Georgia Osmeña, who is the daughter of Serging Osmeña; members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Department Heads, and City councilors.
Serging—the son of the only president that Cebu has produced, Sergio Osmeña Sr., and the father of former senator Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III and former city mayor Tomas Osmeña—won several elections as mayor of Cebu City and also served as governor of Cebu from 1951 to 1955, as congressman from 1957 to 1961, and as senator from 1966 to 1971.
In the 1969 presidential election, Osmeña ran against President Ferdinand Marcos. He lost in the race described by historians as “dirty and violent.”
Osmeña was injured in the Plaza Miranda bombing on Aug. 21, 1971. Members of the Liberal Party, including Osmeña, had held a proclamation rally in the plaza in Quiapo, Manila before two hand grenades were thrown onto the stage.
On Nov. 18, 2020, then-President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 1053 declaring Serging’s birthday on Dec. 4 as a special non-working day in Cebu Province and the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.