Judge Ramon Fernandez Centeno

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 Judge Ramon Fernandez Centeno (1901–1998) was a prominent legal figure and public servant in mid-20th-century Dumaguete City and the broader Negros Oriental province.

While remembered in local legal circles for his long career, historical and judicial records track his evolution from a key city official during Dumaguete's early charter years to his work in the local judiciary.

1. Early Life and Family Lineage

Born in San Fernando, La Union, in 1901 to Obidio Centeno and Maria Fernandez, he eventually relocated to Negros Oriental, where he established deep roots.

  • Spouse: Paulita Tapia Centeno (1905–1983)

  • Children: Ramon Centeno Jr., Teresita Centeno, Fe Centeno Lapez, Pedro Centeno, and Obidio Centeno.

  • Passing: He lived a long life, passing away in Dumaguete City on December 29, 1998, at the age of 97.

2. Legal and Public Career in Dumaguete

Before serving on the bench, Centeno was a fixture in the local government administration during the crucial post-WWII reconstruction eras under Presidents Elpidio Quirino and Ramon Magsaysay.

  • City Attorney of Dumaguete: In the 1950s, he served as the City Attorney (Fiscal) for Dumaguete. Supreme Court jurisprudence—such as Hassaram Dialdas v. Mariano Perdices (1957) and Visayan Electric Co. v. The City of Dumaguete (1957)—records him actively representing the city's interests and defending municipal ordinances during the administration of longtime Mayor Mariano Perdices.

  • Board of Assessment Appeals: Due to his sharp legal mind in municipal taxation and property laws, he was repeatedly appointed by the Office of the President to the city's Board of Assessment/Tax Appeals, serving alongside other notable historical local figures like Ramon Pastor Jr.

3. Judicial Legacy

Following his stints as the city's chief legal officer, he transitioned into the judiciary, serving as a judge in Negros Oriental. His career spanned the transition of the Philippine legal system from the pre-war structures into the post-war era, leaving behind a legacy of integrity in the local bar and bench.



4.Road in Dumaguete in his Honor 

 Judge Ramon Fernandez Centeno  Road in Daro (Old EJ  Blanco Extension)  in his honor 

this road is were new Land Transporation Office, Habana Subdivision and Metro Dumaguete College Inc


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