Cebu Provincial Capitol

The seat of the Cebu Provincial Capitolis one of the province’s heritage structures. It was designed by Juan M. de Guzman Arellano, a Filipino architect who trained in the United States. Construction started in 1937 during the incumbency of Governor Sotero Cabahug and was finished one year later during Governor Buenaventura Rodriquez. It was inaugurated on June 14, 1938 by Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon.

Cebu Provincial Capitol

Cebu Provincial Capitol bldg

Strategically located at the foot of a hill, the graceful capitol commands a dramatic setting. Classic elements contribute to the sedate beauty of the structure. Its concave facade links two wings of the capitol forming a u-shaped plan. The facade leads to a tall foyer capped by a dome. Inside the dome is painted the history of Cebu. The foyer leads to the wings on either side. The Cebu Capitol is one of the more beautiful civic buildings built during the American colonial period.

Planning for the Cebu Provincial Capitol, which was to replace the old Casa Provincial in the city’s Spanish quarter, actually started in 1910, in the day of the inauguration of Osmeña Waterworks. Sergio Osmeña, then Speaker of the First Philippine Assembly, took Governor General William Cameron Forbes to an exhibition baseball match, after which they inspected the future site of the building near Fuente Osmeña. In the book about his father E. J. Hanselma: Colonial Engineer, James Hanselma narrates the event:

Finally, they went over a newly-built boulevard into the countryside to a plaza in the midst of fields empty except for a simple fountain. The site was planned as the new provincial capitol site. The fountain was to commemorate the building of the waterworks.

The Capitol was badly damaged in World War II but eventually rehabilitated through the Tydings War Damage Act of 1946.

Today

“I see Cebu as a province proud of its rich heritage, confident in seizing the opportunity of a century it has been presented, with sights set on the bright future that is its birthright.” – A welcome message of Gov. Gwen Garcia – Governor of the Province of Cebu (2004 to the present) found at the cebu provincial government official website www.cebu.gov.ph

Visit www.cebu.gov.ph the official website of the Province of Cebu, you will find some helpful information about the Province of Cebu News & Updates, Facts & Figures, Culture & Lifestyle, Photo & Video Gallery and many more…

If have the time to visit Cebu, don’t forget to visit the Cebu Provincial Capitol bldg. You are very much welcome here…

Article source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cebu_Provincial_Capitol