Cebu City sets weeklong Charter Day fete

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City is going to have a weeklong celebration for the city’s 85th Charter Day beginning February 17 up to the day itself on February 24.

Cebu City Administrator Suzanne Ardosa announced during its flag ceremony at the City Hall the other day the series of activities here.

On February 17, there will be a feeding program for all 80 barangays.

Different organizations in the barangay itself will be tapped to help in the feeding program.

On the 18th, the city government will continue the distribution of the financial assistance to barangays.

On the 19th, there will be a fun run, walk and jog from Fuente Osmeña Circle via V. Rama Avenue and end at the Cebu City Sports Center.

For February 20, Ardosa said, it is still being finalized while on February 21, it will be the opening of the exhibit of memorabilia of Don Vicente Rama at the City Hall’s legislative building.

On the 22nd of this month, it’s going to be a youth-oriented day highlighted with the contest of Balakwit or balak and awit.

For February 23, it will be the awarding for the most outstanding employees of the city government under different categories. Submission of nominees is set today (February 9).

“Do not insist if you are not deserving…but I wish you all the best!” said Cebu City Mayor Michael “Mike” Rama.

For the Charter Day itself on February 24, the day will start with a mass and writ laying for Don Vicente Rama at Plaza Sugbo and to be followed with a lecture.

There will also be a bakuna bonanza or vaccination at Plaza Sugbo and the grand raffle draw of its vaccination and end the day with a testimonial dinner and giving of special awards to institutions and individuals who made valuable contributions to the City of Cebu.

Meanwhile, the city government is still finalizing the matter on Charter Day bonus to its employees.

“I was talking to the treasurer, I asked the question, do we have awards, naa ba tay awards? Of course! If awards are around and if we have the money, please make the family of my employees happy! I am very clear on that,” Rama said.

Rama stressed that he may be strict, frank, and always watching City Hall employees, he also does not forget to reward them and make them happy in every opportunity possible.

Rama is expecting Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros to make the final announcement regarding the Charter Day bonus on Valentine’s Day. — GMR (FREEMAN)