THE Cebu City Cultural and Historical Affairs Office (Chao) remembered the 144th birth anniversary of former senator Vicente Yap Sotto on Sunday, April 18, 2021.
A wreath-laying ceremony was conducted in front of the Cebu City Hall Sunday.
The ceremony was attended by Mayor’s Office representative Jovito Taborada, Vice Mayor’s Office representative Neil Odchigue, and representative of the Sotto clan, Minerva Sotto Yuvienco.
In her speech, Yuvienco thanked the City for continuing to commemorate the birth anniversary of his grandfather.
“My sincerest thank that despite this ongoing pandemic, we sincerely express our gratitude for your attendance here to commemorate my Lolo Enting’s birthday today,” said Yuvienco in her speech during the ceremony.
Senate President Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III also made a video message, which was posted on the Facebook page of Chao.
He said April 18 is not only a celebration of his grandfather’s birthday but also a time to remember the late Sotto’s accomplishments as the Father of Cebuano Journalism and the champion of Press Freedom Law.
The senator hoped that the exemplary works of his grandfather will continue to inspire many Filipinos, especially the youth, to utilize their talents and skills in pursuing meaningful advocacies that would help build the nation.
Odchigue read the speech of Rama who was not able to physically attend the ceremony.
Reading Rama’s speech, Odchigue said the late Sotto was one of the greatest Cebuanos in the 21st century.
He said Sotto was a former local official, a senator and member of the Congress who was the principal author of the Press Freedom Law or the Sotto Law and was also a well-known journalist and literary genius.
Rama said the privileges enjoyed by the present generation are because of the “hard work and selfless dedication” of Sotto.
“Our generation of today must always be thankful for the past and I can safely say without contradiction, that this generation is blessed to have Vicente Yap Sotto,” the vice mayor said in his speech.
The Chao also held an online talk discussing the life and journey of Sotto. (JJL)