Province kicks off activities for 446th anniversary

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu provincial government has kicked off its month-long celebration of its 446th founding anniversary.

This year’s theme, “Makanunayong pagtinabangay,  taas ang lahotay,” embodies the importance of unity for the province’s continuous growth, said Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.

Yesterday, Magpale led local chief executives in raising the provincial and municipal flags to kick the celebration off.

Among the highlights of the celebration are the ballroom dance contest and raffle draws on August 6, the anniversary day itself. 

Also on August 6, Magpale will deliver the anniversary message on behalf of Governor Hilario Davide III who is in Japan to participate in an international public-private partnership forum in Tokyo.

Magpale confirmed that Capitol employees will receive an anniversary bonus, albeit not disclosing the amount just yet.

Provincial Budget Officer Danilo Rodas said more than1,500 regular and casual employees who have been employed since December 31, 2014 are entitled to the bonus.

The cash incentive is part of the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) with the Provincial Employees Association of Cebu, Inc. for meeting the performance targets at “lesser cost” and attaining “more efficient and valuable operations” through cost-cutting measures and systems improvement.

Yesterday, the Provincial Board approved its fourth Supplemental Budget for this year amounting to P449 million, which covers the P23 million for CNA, P57 million for consultant services, P27 million for the development of a building inside the Capitol compound, P33 million for the purchase of 11 units of Suroy-suroy buses, and P50 million for the retirement incentive package.

Also yesterday, the agro-fair dubbed as “Tabo sa Kapitolyo” was opened to the public.

It will run until August 8, 2015 from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. every day.

Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Saragena said 41 LGUs, five line government agencies, and 29 private exhibitors are participating in the fair.

A prize of P20,000 is in store for LGUs with the “best booth”, and P5,000 for “early decorated booth.” Each participating towns will also receive P2,000 as consolation prize.  (FREEMAN)