The bridge connecting Barangay Mambaling to the South Road Properties along F. Vestil Street has been inaugurated as the Scoutmaster Sergio P. Damazo, Jr. Bridge on September 30.
The inauguration was spearheaded by the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) of the Cebu City Government. It was attended by City Mayor Edgardo Labella and Vice Mayor Michael Rama as well.
Damazo was a scoutmaster of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R). He was a faculty member of the University of San Jose-Recoletos in the 1950s and assigned as to be the scoutmaster for 45 years. The scoutmaster also served the public as district Scout commissioner for the South Cebu City and had a life-long member of the Executive Board of the Cebu Council of the Boy Scout Philippines.
As per the document ordinance, he was recognized as Scoutmaster of the Year (National Level) in 1970 and Model Filipino Awardee for the Service of the Youth in 1986 and was awarded by then President Fidel V. Ramos as one of the Ten Most Outstanding Scoutmaster of the Philippines in 1994. Lastly, the naming of the bridge to “Scoutmaster Sergio P. Damazo Jr. Bridge” will commemorate and honor the exceptional contributions of Scoutmaster Damazo to the academic and youth sectors of the City of Cebu.
Labella recalled his scouting days when he was in elementary.
“Thank you for that man (Damazo) because he gave us insights of what scouting is all about,” he said.
He added that Damazo deserves honor for his achievements and numerous valuable contributions he gave to the country. Labella said that Damazo left the city with a legacy, he had his own ordinary and simple ways which would grow from this generation to future generations.
“So for me, this is just a small token for things he had done for the simplicity and humility he displayed to all of us,” he added.
” You give us honor, you give us integrity, you give us character and you give us hope. Thank you for your life and gift to the Cebuano people and to the scouting movement in particular. Daghang salamat,” he continued.
Atty. Jose Damazo, the brother of the Scoutmaster, together with his family expressed his gratitude to the Order of the Augustinian Recollects for the presence and to the Cebu City government for approving the ordinance.
Administrators of USJ-R also attended the inauguration. They are Rev. Fr. Rouel M. Sia, OAR., Rev. Fr. Leopoldo Estioko, OAR. and Junior High Principal Rubi Angeles. Current Institutional Scouting Committee Chair (scoutmaster) of USJ-R Junior High Yolandito Cagang also joined the activity together with CAT Commandant Romulo Sevilla.
Written by Cyde Obrero (LIACOM intern)
