A native of Cebu City, Sergio Osmena was the first president who came from the Visayas. He came to power at the age of 67, the oldest among the twelve Philippine presidents. Like Manuel L. Quezon, he completed his degree, Bachelor of Laws, in the University of Santo Tomas.

He served as provincial governor for a year in Cebu, an Assemblyman and speaker for nine years, a senator , a senate pro tempore, a cabinet member, and as vice-president of the Philippines. He had occupied six government positions before he succeeded Quezon as president. He accompanied Quezon in the United States and together, they had set up a government- in-exile. After the death of Quezon, he returned to the Philippines with the forces of General Douglas MacArthur.

Among his major projects as president of the Philippines is the restoration of the executive departments that existed before the war. He also continued the fight for Philippine Independence.

He was president for almost two years. He died at the age of 83.