The Cuenco family is a well-known political family in Cebu, Philippines. Since the 1800s, the Cuenco name has been part the colorful history and lore of this island in Southern Philippines. Members of the Cuenco family have been involved in Philippine politics, literature, journalism, as well as the Catholic religion." - Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, Filipino-American Writer (who is also related to the Cuenco blood).
The Cuenco's are prominent and legendary in Cebu City. The family patriarch, Mariano Jesus Cuenco, served in the Senate before martial law and was president of the upper chamber from 1949-1951. Today, Antonio Cuenco continues the political blood of his ancestors as the Congressman of the 2nd District of Cebu City.
Mariano Albao Cuenco † - Born 1861; died 1909. Poet, journalist, grammarian. Born in Kalibo, Capiz on Dec. 8, 1861. Attended Normal de Manila and taught in public schools in Sogod and Catmon. In 1889, moved to Baybay, Leyte to do business. He returned to Cebu, settling with his family in Colon Street, Parian. He became a journalist, writing for various papers. He started the Imprenta Rosario press. His pseudonym was "Asuang." Ran for Cebu governor but lost. Died on July 9, 1909.
Mariano Jesus Cuenco † - Born 1888; died 1964. Member of the Philippine Assembly 1912-16; 4-term Cebu Representative, 5th district; 2-term Cebu Governor; Senate President and Cabinet Member; Philippine Legislature [Senate]; In office as a Senator 1912-1928, 1941-1964. Born in Carmen on January 16, 1888. Like his father, mother, and siblings, he was also a writer and publisher. He founded the bilingual newspaper, El Precursor (Ang Magu-una), which ran from 1907-eve of World War II. In 1947, he founded The Republic.
Miguel Cuenco † - Born December 15, 1904; died June 20, 1990. Representative, 5th district, Cebu; National Assembly [House of Representatives]; In office as a Representative 1931-1941, 1944-1946, 1949-1965.
Manuel Cuenco † - Cebu Governor, In office as a Governor during the 1950's.
Antonio Cuenco - Representative, 2nd district, Cebu; House of Representatives; In office as a Congressman 1987-1998, 2000 - Present.
Nancy Cuenco - Representative, 2nd district, Cebu City; House of Representatives; In office as a Congresswoman 1998-2001.
James Anthony Cuenco - Chief legislative staff officer; Office of father, Rep. Antonio Cuenco, House of Representatives; In office up to present.
Marjorie M. Cuenco - Supervising legislative staff officer III; Research and Reference Bureau, House of Representatives; Up to present. Lawyer.
Ronald R. Cuenco - Councilor; Cebu City; In office as a Councilor 1992-2001; Consultant/ Office of the Mayor of Cebu City/ Market Affairs 2001-2003.