No grand Christmas party at Cebu City Hall

Local

CEBU City Mayor Nestor Archival has ruled out holding a grand City Hall Christmas party this year.

He said the local government must prioritize recovery needs after Typhoon Tino instead of spending on large celebrations.

Archival confirmed the decision in a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and that several City Hall workers were among those affected by the flooding and disruptions brought by the typhoon.

“Nag-decide ta nga wala natay Christmas party nga dako gyud,” he said. “Pero among gitagaan ug free hand ang department heads nga within offices lang. Wala tay party nga big party as a whole.”

The mayor emphasized that departments may still hold internal celebrations, but strictly on a modest scale.

He clarified that he is not setting an official budget limit, though he expects department heads to exercise prudence.

“No order for limit budget of Christmas parties… but if they will have a party, they probably have chip in-chip in lang para dili kaayo gasto sa budget,” he said.

He added that any small amount of funds available must be handled conscientiously.

“Make sure nga kabalo ta nga nanginahanglan ang syudad,” he said.

Archival also said City Hall is reviewing the release of year-end bonuses. While employees can still expect something, he cautioned that it will not be lavish.

“Bonus gitan-aw lang nato… I think naa tay bonus pero dili ingana ka extravagant,” he said, citing the need to be sensitive to employees hit by Tino.

The mayor’s directive reinforces a resolution recently approved by the Cebu City Council urging departments and barangays to avoid lavish Christmas and year-end activities.

The measure mirrors President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s nationwide call for government offices to keep celebrations simple in light of the earthquakes and the damage caused by typhoons Uwan and Tino.

The council resolution highlights the need to realign public resources toward areas still recovering from calamities.

It calls on government offices to temper spending and prioritize assistance for displaced families and damaged communities.

Minority Floor Leader Sisinio Andales, the resolution’s author, said the city must demonstrate responsible leadership.

“It is imperative for the Cebu City government to show empathy and responsible governance by avoiding extravagant holiday events,” the measure stated.(TGP)