Cebu has its share of glorious history that has to be retained in the memories of the living. Different landmarks such as statues, monuments, effigies etc. are erected in honor of the important persons who contributed a lot for the welfare of others and for the entire country.
One of the most famous and the oldest landmarks in Cebu is the ”Fuente de Osmeña” or ”Fuente Osmeña”. It is one busy spot in Cebu and has become a centerpiece landmark in Cebu City.
Fuente Osmeña was built in honor of Cebu’s Grand Old Man, President Sergio Osmeña, the fourth Philippine president after the presidency of Jose P. Laurel during the Japanese-sponsored government and succeeded after Manual L. Quezon in terms of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Also, he is the headman of the prominent clan of the Osmeñas where several politicians including the three Senators hail from.
Fuente de Osmeña which means “Fountain of Osmeña” is a fountain constructed in commemoration of the foundation of Cebu City’s first waterwork system in 1923. It is often deemed as the “Heart of Cebu”. The tree-lined park where the fountain was located is referred to as the Fuente Osmeña Circle.
The circle is located in the heart of midtown Cebu, lies in the intersection of Mango Avenue, Osmeña Boulevard and B. Rodriguez Street. The park has become very popular among the locals not just because of its accessibility but also of its historical significance for the Cebuanos.
Lots of business establishments can be seen around this rotunda, ranging from money changing to shopping centers and hotels offering 5-star accommodations. Local and international companies had their promotional gimmicks and demonstrations in the circle as well as feeding programs and other business-related activities.
Moreover, the park served as an entertainment arena and a site for numerous festivals and rallies. It has become a venue for cultural presentations, concerts and even the Sinulog Mardi Gras and its nightly festivities are held here.
Whether accidentally or by necessity, one happens to come across this important landmark. It is best commendable for tourists who want to have trouble-free access to everything.
Over the years, Fuente Osmeña has become a central point of issue between the Cebu Provincial Government and the Cebu City Government. Though Cebu City is part of the province of Cebu, it is classified as “Highly Urbanized City” and is therefore independent from any of the province. Cebu the province has no control over Cebu City. But still Cebu Provincial Government claimed that Fuente Osmeña is a property of the province and Cebu City Government should turn it over.
Whatever the result of such controversy, what’s more crucial is the preservation of this salient remnant of Cebu’s glorious past. The government should give more attention to it in view of the fact that aside from its historical significance, the park is a good place for relaxation and family bonding and the fountain is still operative. Further development and it will become a sensation.
For those who haven’t seen Fuente Osmeña, the fountain is pictured in right side of the 50-peso bill of Philippine currency and the face of Sergio Osmeña can be found in the center of the same bill.
