Directory_and_Chronicle_1923 — Page 1506

CEBU

This is the capital of the island of Cebu, and now ranks as the second port of the Philippines. It was at one time the seat of the administration of revenue for the whole of the Visayas, but this was removed to Manila in 1849. For many generations it has been an important centre of Roman Catholic Missionary enterprise, and in this connection it may be mentioned that the present Seminary and College of San Carlos. was founded by the Jesuits in 1595 as the College of San Ildefonso. The Redemptorist Fathers have a mission at Opon, across the Straits. Cebu is a well-built town and possesses fine roads. The trade of Cebu consists principally of hemp, sugar, copra, maguey and, latterly, coconut oil. The neighbouring islands of Leyte, Mindanao and Camiguin possess extensive hemp plantations, a large proportion of the produce of which finds its way to Cebu for shipment. There are some very valuable and exten- sive coal deposits in the island of Cebu, but only a few mines are being worked. The present total output is about 1,500 tons a month, which at present value amounts to about P.350,000 per annum.

Cebu continues to grow in importance as a trade centre. New wharves have been completed and another one is under construction, and vessels drawing up to 30 feet can load alongside with perfect safety. There are suitable berths for three ocean-going vessels at one time and a fourth could be accommodated if the draft were not over 20 feet. The annual total production of hemp in the Cebu district is between 25,000 and 40,000 tons. The sugar industry has suffered severely in recent years by drought, but with the revised U.S. tariff and recent high prices a new impetus was given to planters, and many abandoned estates were worked again with success. The low prices. of the present day, however, have caused the production to fall off again. The production of copra is increasing yearly and is likely to continue doing so for some years to come. The principal oil-mill having shut down, large quantities of copra are exported monthly; previously, the local oil-mills bought up practically all available supplies. The town possesses a fine reinforced concrete Customs House, and concrete godowns line the wharf. Indeed, the major portion of the business district is now built of concrete.

DIRECTORY

GOVERNMENT OF THE PROVINCE

OF CEBU

Governor- Hon. Arsenio Climaco

Chief Clerk-Florentino Borromeo

PROVINCIAL BOARD

President-Provincial Governor

Members-Tomás Alonso and Mixmino

Noel

Recorder- Vicente Ranudo

Senators-Hon. Sergio Osmeña and Hon.

Celestino Rodriguez

Representatives

1st District-Hon. Manuel C. Briones 2nd do. Hon. Vicent Sotto

—

3rd do. -Hon. Vicente Rama

4th do.

Hon. Isidoro Aldanese

Hon. Jesus M. Cuenco

5th do.

6th do.

Hon. Nicolas Rafols

7th do.

Hon. Jose Alonso

PROVINCIAL TREASURER'S OFFICE

Treasurer-Dionisio M. Fabella Chief Clerk-F. D. Pacana

Assist. Chief Clerk and Deputy-J. M.

Rendon

Deputy-Genaro Petallana

Administrative Deputy- Francisco M.

Dimataga

Property Clerk-Ignacio Villaflor Cashier-Anastasio S. Rana

Income Tax-Vicente Castillo

DISTRICT HEALTH OFFICE

Chief-Dr. Enrique Florencio Ochoa Assistant (vacant)

Chief Sanitary Inspector- Filomeno A.

Raila

Chief Clerk-Melecio Velez