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The Union of Nation-builders and Innovators for Transparency, Empowerment, and Development (UNITED) celebrates the 85th Charter Day Anniversary of the City of Cebu.

Unbeknownst to many is the "Brains of the Cebu City Charter" whose name is Atty. Gervasio Lira Lavilles. Born in Lambunao, Iloilo, Atty. Lavilles came to Cebu to become a working student. He completed his Bachelor of Law at the University of the Visayas and was officially admitted to the Philippine Bar on December 24, 1938.

He was later elected as councilor of the Municipal Board of Cebu serving from 1925 to 1935 in which he authored Resolution No. 185 urging the House of Representatives and the Senate to pass a law converting the Municipality of Cebu into a city. This was signed by then Municipal President Fructuoso Ramos on August 31, 1931.

Don Vicente Rama, a member of the House of Representatives, answered the call of Atty. Lavilles and fought for the cityhood of Cebu in the National Assembly and on February 24, 1937, the City of Cebu was born by Commonwealth Act No. 58 signed by then president Manuel Quezon.

Sources:

• https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/opinion/2019/02/20/1895224/atty-gervasio-lavilles-brains-cebu-city-charter

• https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2020/02/27/1996469/brains-behind-cebu-city-charter-unrecognized

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