Former Cebu governor dies

He initiated the modernization of Cebu airport and now called Mactan Cebu International Airport as international flights started during his stint

Former Cebu Governor Emilio Mario “Lito” Osmeña passed away on Monday night. He was 82.

In a social media post, the governor’s eldest son Mariano “Mimo” Osmeña confirmed the passing of the former Cebu governor.

“So long Dad! You will always be part of us. Thank you is not enough,” Mimo’s post read.

With the demise of the known architect of “Ceboom,” a rapid economic development of Cebu province in the early 1990s, words of sympathy flooded the social media communities.

Born on 11 September 1938, Lito served as Cebu Governor from 1988 to 1992. He was a visionary, builder, unorthodox leader and championed local autonomy and the founder of Probinsiya Muna Development Initiatives (PROMDI).

He also initiated the modernization of Cebu airport and now called Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) as international flights started during his stint while airstrips in the islands of Bantayan and Camotes were constructed.

During his reign in the provincial capitol, Lito made an unprecedented project establishing road link between Cebu City and the western town of Balamban via the upland villages in what is now known as Transcentral Highway.

In 1992, he accepted Fidel Ramos’ invitation to be his running mate, citing his vision to follow his grandfather’s footsteps. He, however, lost to Estrada in a seven-way race for vice president.

Lito was president of the League of Governors — now League of Provinces — from 1990-1992 and was appointed as Presidential Economic Adviser from 1992 to 1998 under the Ramos administration.

Lito is the grandson of President Sergio Osmeña Sr. and the brother of the late Senator, Congressman and former Toledo City Mayor John Henry Osmeña and cousins to former Senator Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III and former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.