Family honor

Last Friday was another piece of  history in the making as Cebu City celebrated its  75th Charter Day.

In the morning there was a floral offering at the statue of Don Vicente Rama,  Father of the Cebu City Charter, which gathered  members of the Rama clan headed by Mrs. Corazon Rama Del Prado with  grandchildren and great grandchildren of Vicente Rama. Actor Richard Rama Gutierrez,  a great grandson, gave the response in behalf of the family.

The evening was doubly significant as the city recognized 75 Cebuano families who  have contributed to the growth of Cebu City.  All clans were recognized. Some were   represented by  lolos and lolas in wheelchairs.  Cebu Daily News’ description of the guest list as “who’s who”  in Cebu City was correct.

Most city councilors  were present during the awards night at the Waterfront Hotel except  Vice Mayor Joy Young and a few councilors. Rep. Cutie del Mar of the north district was  also there looking so beautiful. She received the award for the  del Mar clan.  Congressman Tommy Osmeña of the south district was conspicuously absent but former congressman Tony Cuenco  showed up to represent his clan.

Many were expecting the  Osmeñas to boycott the affair but the  clan was represented by former Cebu City vice mayor Renato Osmeñna and businessman Mimo Osmena.

One could see the delight in the faces of the 75 Cebuano clanmen who attended the ceremony. They  exchanged pleasantries and  tried to reestablish connections.  The program was aptly mixed with Cebuano songs to bring families down  memory lane.

The food was simple but  plentiful.  The event was  well attended with  City Hall employees  in full force to help make the affair a  success. Outstanding individuals and institutions were also awarded that evening.

Councilor Bebot Abellanosa was absent and did not represent the Abellanosa clan in the  gathering. He said it was awkward for him to go when his Asian College of Technology (ACT), which was recommended for a Charter Day award,  failed to get the nod of the mayor.  A  reliable source told me that it was Councilor Abellanosa himself who nominated ACT as one of the awardees.

With no controversies marring the Charter Day celebration, I’m glad the city council  approved  the supplemental budget for the bonus of City Hall employees.

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Last week an unfortunate thing happened in the household of a retired military officer in Cebu City.

A newly hired 22-year-old helper stole two cellphones and cash from the  employer then  burned down the house. A fellow helper was killed in the blaze.

The tragedy underscores how it difficult it is nowadays to  hire domestic help.

They  demand some amenities to help them in their work although there are still many who are  honest and passionate in their work. In our home, my wife and I prefer to hire those of a more mature age  because they are more focused and hardworking.

Be careful of recruiting through manpower agencies that can just milk you. The helpers they find are not guaranteed to be good and honest employees.

Screening of applicants is inadequate.  The agency  should require  an applicant to show an NBI clearance and come with proper references.

The agency should have in mind the protection and safety of their clients above any monetary consideration.  I believe that many agents are doing their work for public service, and I thank them.