August 30, Mandaue Charter Day declared special non-working holiday

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the President has declared the 43rd Charter Day anniversary of Mandaue City on August 30 as a special (non-working) day in the city.

Proclamation 426, dated July 10, 2012, which was signed by executive secretary Paquito Ochoa in behalf of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III states that it is just fitting for the people of Mandaue to be given the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

In line with this, the city government has prepared a series of activities starting yesterday until September 12.

Residents call it a double celebration. The city will celebrate its 43rd Charter Day anniversary on August 30 and the 75th Diamond Jubilee celebration of the construction of the Mandaue Presidencia (city hall), which was built in September 12, 1937.

This year’s Charter Day celebration carries the theme “An Outstanding Mandaue Starts With Me.”

Councilor Elstone Dabon, head of the Charter Day Committee, said some changes will be noticeable such as the participation of businessmen in the activities.

The series of activities includes awarding of outstanding national and local government employees, cultural and sports activities, and Mayor Jonas Cortes will deliver his State of the City Address at the Mandaue City Sports Complex on September 5.

The celebration of the Presidencia anniversary will be held on September 12 at 6 p.m.

Cortes is also set to announce this month the granting of bonuses to employees.

Regular employees will receive P8,000, job order employees P5,000, while the Clean and Green will receive P3,000 each.

Dabon said in case the Commission on Audit (COA) disallows the granting of the bonuses, each employee should return the money. Before the bonus is given, each worker will sign a waiver agreeing to this arrangement.

Dabon said so far, no bonuses that have been granted by the city had been disallowed by COA. - THE FREEMAN