CAVITE CITY, CAVITE - officially commemorated its 86th Charter Anniversary on September 7, 2026, with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Manuel Rojas Elementary School, led by Mayor Denver Chua and Vice Mayor Raleigh Rusit together with members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod . The event honored the legacy of Don Manuel S. Rojas, the "Father of Cavite City," who authored Commonwealth Act No. 547, the legislation that elevated Cavite from a municipality to a fully chartered city in 1940 . The ceremony began with a public mass followed by the floral offering at the monument of Rojas, with the Rojas family, school faculty, and DepEd Cavite City representatives in attendance, and students performing the national anthem and city hymn.
The Legacy of Don Manuel S. Rojas: "Father of Cavite City"
Cavite City's charter history traces back to September 7, 1940, when Commonwealth Act No. 547 was approved, officially establishing Cavite as a chartered city . The legislation was authored and championed by Assemblyman Manuel S. Rojas, whose efforts in the National Assembly secured the city's elevated status . In recognition of his pivotal role, Rojas is honored as the "Father of Cavite City," and his monument at Manuel Rojas Elementary School serves as the focal point of the annual commemoration.
Through the years, various presidential proclamations have declared September 7 as a special day in Cavite City. Proclamation No. 246 issued in 1993 and Proclamation No. 321 in 1988 both recognized the charter anniversary . More recently, Republic Act No. 11124 officially declared September 7 of every year as a special non-working holiday in the city, allowing residents to fully participate in the celebrations . The city's 85th anniversary in 2025 featured a weeklong celebration including a job fair, medical mission, and the "Caracol de la Reina" procession.
Community Participation and Future Observances
The 86th Charter Anniversary celebration, held at Manuel Rojas Elementary School, saw active participation from the Rojas family, the school's faculty, and representatives from the Department of Education Cavite City . Selected students from the school delivered a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem and the Cavite City Hymn, adding a meaningful touch to the ceremony. The event was led by Mayor Denver Chua and Vice Mayor Raleigh Rusit, alongside members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
The Cavite City government continues to honor its rich history and heritage through events like the wreath-laying ceremony and related community activities. Future observances are expected to build on this tradition, fostering a deeper appreciation for the city's journey and its contributions to the province and the nation.
