Dionisio Jakosalem

Dionisio Abella Jakosalem (May 8, 1878 – July 1, 1931) was the governor of Cebu, Philippines (1906–1912) and the first Filipino cabinet member appointed under the American regime.

He studied in Dumanjug, Colegio-Seminario de San Carlos where he met Sergio Osmeña Sr.,[2] and University of Santo Tomas where he acquired his bachelor's and law degrees.

[2] The mission included Maximo Kalaw as private secretary, cabinet member Rafael Palma, and senator Vicente Signson Encarnacion.

[3] In 1918, he sent bureau director James Rafferty on a mission to establish Philippine commercial agencies in the United States that would provide reports on US market conditions, aiding Philippine entrepreneurs in establishing trade relations with American counterparts, and delivering reliable information about the country to American businessmen, investors, and tourists.

[8] Jakosalem practiced law in Cebu after retiring from civil service[3] in 1922 despite the invitation of Governor General Leonard Wood for him to continue serving in the cabinet.