The 134th birthday of the late President Sergio Osmeña, Sr. was celebrated by simple Mass and a floral offering attended by the remaining clan of the Osmenas at the Osmeña marker site at Lapu-Lapu Street corner Osmeña Boulevard yesterday morning.
After the Mass, the people were welcomed by Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon followed by the floral offering followed.
Among those who gave their floral offerings were some department heads of Cebu City and some barangay captains allied with Rep. Osmeña.
Some of the Osmeña stalwarts were not present.
Former governor and Promdi chairman Lito Osmeña was not seen with the crowd but he was represented by his son Mariano “Mimo” Osmeña who also gave the response speech in behalf of the Osmeña family.
Also not seen were Sen. Serge Osmeña and Minnie Osmeña. But they were represented by Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district, his wife Cebu City Councilor Margot and their son Miguel.
“We have sent them the invitations to come to this event but they didn’t show up, I don’t know why.” Tomas told Cebu Daily News.
He added that it was the family’s collective decision to have Mimo deliver the response speech of the family. Mimo highlighted his great grandfather’s sacrifice for the country.
“I have not met him but the stories of those who have still echo in my mind. In order to keep the unity of this nation, he opted to ran as vice president to President Manuel Quezon and yet he got double the number of votes received by Quezon.” he said.
He said that people asked him what his great grandfather’s legacy was to the Osmeña clan.
“I told them that the nation is above us all…” Mimo said. /Edison Delos Angeles, Correspondent