Cebu City gears up for Charter Day rites, to fete 12 ‘outstanding individuals’

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CEBU City gears up to celebrate its 89th year as a chartered city on February 24, 2026.

Twelve standout individuals, including cultural icons, public servants, athletes, youth leaders, and journalists, are nominees for the Outstanding Individual Cebu City Charter Day Award.

The recognition will be part of the city’s Charter Day rites on Tuesday, Feb. 24, which will culminate in a testimonial dinner honoring individuals and institutions whose work has shaped Cebu’s civic and cultural life.

The list of nominees was released by the Cebu City Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) and approved by the Cebu City Council during last week’s session.

From sacred music to Olympic platforms

Among the nominees is Nilo Ferater Rusiana, cited for 28 years of service as organist and soloist at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.

For nearly three decades, Rusiana accompanied liturgical celebrations, especially Masses without a choir, sustaining the tradition of sacred music for generations of devotees.

Though retired, he continues to serve voluntarily.

In sports, weightlifter Elreen Ann Ando is nominated for her international achievements. A two-time Olympian at age 25, Ando placed sixth overall in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and seventh in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

She has also captured gold medals in the 2023 and 2025 Southeast Asian Games, along with multiple silver and bronze finishes in Asian and world championships.

Oljol Jack Pherin is recognized for contributions to sports coaching.

Culture, heritage and the arts

Dr. Rosa C.P. Tenazas, recognized as the first female archaeologist in the Philippines, is nominated for her pioneering role in archaeology and her contributions to heritage preservation. Her research helped advance the study and appreciation of Philippine prehistory and material culture.

Errol “Budoy” Marabiles, frontman of Junior Kilat, is nominated posthumously for his role in promoting Cebuano music and cultural identity.

Through reggae infused with local language and social themes, he helped bring Cebuano stories to a wider audience.

He received the NU107 Song of the Year Award in 2005 for “Ako si M16.”

Journalism, literacy and public service

Also nominated posthumously is Max Sherwin Templado Limpag, recognized for his work in journalism, environmental advocacy and heritage conservation. Since 1996, he covered Cebu City Hall and local governance, raised awareness on environmental and sustainability issues, and co-founded the media start-up InnoPub Media.

Rosario Chua, former chief librarian of the Cebu City Public Library, is likewise nominated posthumously. Rising from book binder helper to chief librarian, she led the transformation of the library into the country’s first 24/7 public library.

She launched literacy programs such as Alimbukad Basa Pamilya and Basa Kabataan, expanding access to reading and education in communities.

In the field of public service, Solon Ernesto Baculi and Haidie Abella Consul are recognized for loyalty in public service, while the late Roberto Reyes is nominated in the same category posthumously.

Youth awardees include Jayboy Magdadaro under Batang Hero sa Cebu and Sean Chambers Melgar de Lara for youth leadership as class president.

Charter Day rites

Cebu City received its charter on February 24, 1937 through Commonwealth Act No. 58. From 1937 to 2026 marks 89 years, making February 24, 2026 the city’s 89th Charter Day.

The date has been declared a special non-working holiday in the city.

The commemoration will open with a wreath-laying ceremony at Plaza Sugbo in the morning.

In the evening, the city government will hold a testimonial dinner featuring the conferment of awards to outstanding individuals and institutions, as well as the Mayor’s Special Awards.

Mayor Nestor Archival has invited former city mayors and other officials to join the anniversary rites.(TGP)