Private sector will shoulder P6 million

CEBU, Philippines - The P6-million budget needed for the year-long activities for the 75th Charter Day celebration of Cebu City will be shouldered by the private sector.

Belinda Navascues, secretary to Mayor Michael Rama, said that the private sector already committed to sponsor the needed funds through a private-public-partnership scheme.

This means that the City will only have to shell out P4 million of the total P10 million estimated expenses.

The P4 million shall cover the expenses for the weeklong activities which shall include the awarding of outstanding employees, awarding of outstanding individuals and institutions, Balak Contest, Essay Writing Contest and other activities.

Mayor Michael Rama earlier said that he did not approve of the P10 million for Charter Day because he wants the private sector to take their part in the celebration.

Navascues yesterday said that the budget appeared big because of the year-long activities but even before they proposed it for the council’s approval, the private sector already assured that the mayor does not have to worry too much about the expenses.

Navascues said that the P6 million is mostly for the project that will recognize 75 families or clans that contributed to how Cebu City has become what it is today.

These families are clans that reside in the city and have at least three members who have contributed to the development of the city. The members may also qualify if they have given honor to the city in the fields of governance and community service, business and industry, profession, sports, media and the arts, religion and apostolic works, environment, science and technology.

The 75 clans will be given a chance to be recognized and highlighted through mall exhibits, memorial lectures and a coffee table book. Seven families will be featured every month starting March until February next year. All clans will be treated to a testimonial dinner and reunion.

Rama said that he is finalizing the list of the mayor’s special awardees and said the list will not be made public until the awarding date. (FREEMAN)