Cebu City workers required to attend EDSA celebration

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Government has required all its employees to attend today's Salubongan, or the reenactment of the EDSA People Power Revolution, at the Capitol grounds.

Mayor Michael Rama announced yesterday that the city councilors, together with the different department heads and all employees, will join the 28th commemoration of the historic event.

Asked why employees are required to attend when it is a holiday, he said the celebration is a very important event.

"Not all the cities in the country have a chance of having the president to celebrate EDSA," he said.

Aside from President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, his cousin Senator Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV, cabinet secretaries, and business group leaders are also expected to join in the celebration.

On the other hand, Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said he made a commitment in a meeting with Capitol organizers that the city government has 5,000 employees who would attend.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Administrator Lucille Mercado assured that various groups like vendors' organizations and the urban poor would join the event, which is open to the public.

With yellow being the favorite color of former president Corazon "Cory" Aquino, who was catapulted to the presidency by the memorable event, everyone is encouraged to wear the color.

He said he was invited to have a part in the ceremony. He said that whether or not he would have a role or not, he would join to support and celebrate with the rest of the country. (FREEMAN)