Employee in demo case lauded

HE almost quit his job after being charged in court for the demolition of shanties along the Mahiga Creek in barangay Mabolo.

But the moral support  of superiors and colleagues at the Management Information Computer System (MICS) convinced Harold Alcontin to stay as head of the city’s survey team.

For his determination, Alcontin was one of  eight outstanding rank-and-file workers who  were recognized during the award rites for outstanding City Hall employees on Thursday night. He was also among the 11 mayor’s special awardees.

Alcontin received a plaque of recognition and P20,000 cash as outstanding employee.

He received  another plaque for his mayor’s special award.

“I am happy. I thank the mayor because after 15 years, they recognized  my work,” he said.

Rama told awardees on Thursday night that the city’s recognition should encourage them to even do better.

“Only you can decide if you want to stay where you are or if you want to move further,” said the mayor.

The annual recognition was a highlight of the 75th Cebu City Charter Day celebration.

Alcontin said he  worked 14 years and eight months for the city government before he got his award.

“But it was worth the wait.  I am happy that they started to recognize my hard work,” he said.

The 38-year-old Alcontin said he started under the city government’s summer jobs program.

He  joined the city as a casual employee in 1997 after he graduated BS Electrical Engineering from the University of San Jose Recolletos.
Alcontin said he provided the digital mapping of the three-meter easement of the Mahiga Creek, the reason  he was among those charged for the demolition of structures there on May 2011.

His wife once  asked him to quit his job.

Although the court case remains pending, Alcontin said he has learned to move on. Correspondent Edison delos Angeles and Doris C. Bongcac