Speech, flowers for Don Sergio Sr.

“A man is remembered by his good deeds and not by the power or influence he once held.”

Msgr. Robert Alesna, who officiated the Mass to commemorate the late president Don Sergio Osmeña Sr.’s 133rd birthday, said Don Sergio was the perfect example of a man who continued to touch the hearts of the Cebuanos because of his deeds.

Don Sergio was once a governor of Cebu, a congressman, a senator, a vice president and the President of the Philippines.

Cebu City officials, department heads and employees and some senior citizens yesterday gathered at the marker placed along the intersection of Osmeña Boulevard and Lapu-Lapu Street near the Department of Foreign Affairs Office to hear Mass and place flowers on the the marker to honor Don Sergio.

Margarita Osmeña Larranaga, granddaugther of Don Sergio, encouraged Cebuanos to learn from the examples of her grandfather.

She said her grandfather was a man of integrity, honesty, selflessness and a gentleman—the reasons he is not forgotten by the Cebuanos.

“Not all of us are called to public service. Not all of us will have a chance to become statesmen or stateswomen or leaders in the community or be president of the Philippines. But how we are in our own lives, in our own families, I feel we have much to learn from Don Sergio because to one day have our children and grandchildren recall us as fondly and with such love would be a wonderful legacy indeed,” she said.

Larranaga represented the Osmeña family in remembering the “Great Old Man” during his 133rd birthday yesterday.

Rep. Tomas Osmeña, a grandson of Don Sergio, and Rep. Rachel del Mar (Cebu City’s south and north district respectively) failed to attend the celebration because of the ongoing deliberations on the proposed 2012 budget.

Councilor Margot Osmeña with her son Miguel represented her husband while former representative Raul del Mar stood in for her daughter.

“As we go back to our respective endeavors, let us remember Don Sergio and keep him in our heart. Let us strive to emulate his virtues. Let us be Don Sergio for I sincerely believe that we need more Don Sergio today more than ever,” said Larranaga in a five-minute speech.