10/05/2026
The First Cebuano Mayor of Cebu City: The Legacy of Vicente Rama
When people talk about the history of Cebu City, one name is always remembered — Vicente Rama, often called the “Father of Cebu City.”
Before Cebu became an official city, it was only a municipality under the Province of Cebu during the American colonial period. Many local leaders wanted Cebu to become an independent chartered city because it was already growing into an important center of trade, culture, and education in the Visayas.
Vicente Rama, a lawyer, writer, and politician from Cebu, became one of the strongest voices pushing for cityhood. He believed Cebu deserved greater self-government and better public services. Because of his efforts in the Philippine Legislature, a law creating Cebu City was approved in 1936 under Commonwealth Act No. 58.
On February 24, 1937, Cebu officially became a chartered city. Shortly after, Vicente Rama became the first appointed mayor of Cebu City, making history as the city’s pioneering local chief executive.
During his leadership, Rama focused on improving roads, sanitation, public order, and government organization. Cebu was still developing at the time, and many areas had limited infrastructure. His administration worked on organizing the city government while preparing Cebu for modernization.
Vicente Rama was also known for promoting Cebuano culture and literature. Aside from politics, he was a respected writer who used the pen name “Dagohoy.” He encouraged the use of the Cebuano language in journalism and literature during a period when English and Spanish dominated publications.
However, his term as mayor happened during a difficult period in Philippine history. The late 1930s and early 1940s brought political uncertainty and eventually the arrival of World War II in the Philippines. Like many cities in the country, Cebu later suffered destruction during the Japanese occupation and liberation battles.
Despite these challenges, Vicente Rama’s contributions continued to shape the city. Today, one of the major roads in Cebu, V. Rama Avenue, was named in his honor as recognition of his role in building modern Cebu City.
Many historians still consider him one of the most influential Cebuano leaders of the 20th century because of his vision for urban development and local governance.
Disclaimer
This story is based on documented historical records and educational references about the early history of Cebu City and Vicente Rama. Some details may vary depending on historical interpretation and archival sources.
Sources
National Historical Commission of the Philippines
Cebu City Government
University of San Carlos
Historical records on Commonwealth Act No. 58
