As Cebu City marked its 89th Charter Day celebration on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, city leaders called for unity, integrity, and genuine public service, that values reflected during this year’s roster of awardees.
CITE: A Three-Time Outstanding Institution Awardee
Among the institutions honored was the Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE) Technical Institute, Inc., once again recognized as one of Cebu City’s Outstanding Institutions.
This latest recognition marks a historic milestone for CITE, which previously received the same prestigious award in 1997 and 2007. With its third conferment in 2026, CITE further solidifies its 36-year legacy as a technical institution that has consistently contributed to the city’s growth through industry-driven technical education and training, values formation, and community engagement.
To date, CITE has produced 6,484 diploma program graduates and 6,983 learners from its Production Technology program, many of whom now serve in key industries locally and abroad—embodying the very principles of excellence, discipline, and integrity highlighted during the Charter Day celebration.
CITE was nominated for the award by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Region VII (TESDA Region VII), the Juanito I. King Foundation, and Teradyne Philippines, Ltd. CITE institution expresses its sincere gratitude to these partner organizations for their trust and continued support of CITE’s mission to provide accessible and industry-relevant technical education.
The award was formally received on behalf of the institution by CITE President Dr. Jose Ramiro Carpio Jr., Finance Director Tommy Yap, and Industry Government and Community Relations Director Dariel Lauron, who represented the entire CITE community during the ceremonial rites.
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Present
Mayor Nestor Archival paid tribute to Vicente Rama, regarded as the “Father of Cebu City” for authoring Commonwealth Act 58, which paved the way for Cebu to become a chartered city. He emphasized that the city’s charter is not merely a legal document but a continuing responsibility shared by leaders and citizens alike.
Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, represented by his chief of staff Raymund Paul Taboada, underscored that Cebu City’s progress has long been anchored on discipline and accountability. He stressed that governance should ultimately be measured not by claims, but by what citizens genuinely experience—safer streets, efficient services, and restored trust in government.
A Meaningful Celebration
The 89th Charter Day commemorates Cebu’s political autonomy under Commonwealth Act 58, signed by Manuel L. Quezon on October 20, 1936, which inaugurated Cebu as a chartered city on February 24, 1937.
The day began with a Mass at Plaza Sugbu officiated by Rev. Fr. Josephus Remonde, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony led by Mayor Archival and the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission.
In total, ten Charter Day plaques and 80 Mayor’s Special Awards were presented.
All awardees underwent a thorough screening and vetting process conducted by the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission. Their recommendations were subsequently endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and forwarded to the City Mayor for final approval, ensuring that honorees truly exemplified outstanding service and meaningful contribution to the city.
As Cebu City celebrates nearly nine decades of chartered governance, the recognition of institutions like CITE underscores how education remains a vital pillar in building a progressive and resilient city.