The Heritage of Cebu

The Cebu Provincial Capitol is a neo-classical edifice designed in 1936 by US-trained Filipino Architect Juan M. Arellano. Arellano was also responsible for the design of other government buildings in the country most notably the Legislative Building (now the National Museum of the Philippines) and the Post Office.

Construction of the capitol building started in 1937 with Pedro Siochi & Co., Inc. as the contractor during the incumbency of Governor Sotero B. Cabahug and finished a year later during the time of Governor Buenaventura Rodriguez. It was inaugurated on June 14, 1938 by no less than President Manuel L. Quezon.

The center of attraction of the building is the dome and the concave facade with an inscription that says “The authority of the government emanates from the people.” Columns flanking the central concave facade are each topped with a statue of a man and a woman.

As a very sprawling edifice, the office of the Governor is located in the northern wing while the Vice-Governor’s is at the opposite. In the middle is a large social hall or ballroom where various events and gatherings are held. The Marcelo B. Fernan Hall of Justice, which houses the regional trial courts, is located at the back of the capitol facing the main entrance to the social hall. It is connected to the capitol by a bridge. The session hall of the provincial board used to be at the capitol building but was transferred to a newly built legislative building at the back of the hall of justice.

Heritage markers from the National Historical Institute (NHI) were recently installed during the opening ceremonies of the week long celebrations of the 439th anniversary of the founding of the province.