RAMA LIMCHIU Foundation, Inc.

18/05/2026

Who Was Cebu City’s Cebuano First Mayor? The Untold Story

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

10/05/2026

05/04/2026

He is risen ✨🙏
This Easter Sunday, we celebrate hope, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings.

May this day remind us to live with faith, love, and compassion for one another.
Uban kita in spreading kindness and light to our community. 💛

Happy Easter from Rama Limchiu Foundation, Inc. 🌿✝️

01/04/2026

In this sacred season of reflection, may we pause, pray, and renew our hearts. 🙏✨
As we remember the sacrifice and love of Christ, may it guide us to live with faith, compassion, and unity. 🤍

Let us walk this Holy Week with humility and grace. 🕊️

21/03/2026

Celebrating a day of gratitude, peace, and new beginnings.
May this Eid bring happiness to your home and blessings to your heart. ✨🌙
Eid Mubarak!

01/03/2026

March is also Fire Prevention Month 🔥
A reminder that safety is everyone’s responsibility. By staying aware and practicing simple safety measures, we can protect our loved ones, our homes, and our community 🚒

Stay alert. Stay safe.

🧯❤️

01/03/2026

Honoring the strength, leadership, and contributions of women this Women’s Month 🌸
In support of empowerment and equality for all women.

💜

01/03/2026

Hello, March 🌸
A new month is here, bringing fresh beginnings, meaningful celebrations, and opportunities to reflect and grow. May this month remind us to stay kind, mindful, and united as a community ✨

25/02/2026

Standing inside the Don Vicente Rama Heritage House, you can feel the history in the walls. This was never just a house. It was a home where ideas were born, where a family was raised, and where a deep love for Cebu was lived and passed on every day.

Unveiling this heritage marker is our way of remembering Don Vicente Rama not only as a leader, but as a father, a writer, and a man whose values continue to guide generations. Seeing old photographs beside the faces of today’s generation made the moment even more meaningful. It reminded us that the stories began long ago, but they are still being lived today.

This house reminds us that our roots matter. That the past deserves care, respect, and remembrance. And that what we choose to protect today becomes the legacy we leave for those who come after us.

From the Rama Limchiu Foundation, Inc., we honor the past, serve the present, and inspire the future.