City Hall honors MCWD employee

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City Government yesterday honored an electrician of the Metro Cebu Water District by conferring him the national award given by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) after he won the prestigious President Magsaysay Outstanding Filipino Workers Award 2008.

The 36-year-old Cesar Pelarca, a resident of barangay Labangon and a senior electrician of the MCWD was so proud as he stood in front of the hundreds of Cebu City Hall employees after the usual flag-raising ceremony yesterday morning.

Acting mayor Michael Rama encouraged the city employees to follow the steps of Pelarca.

Aside from the President Magsaysay Outstanding Filipino Workers Award (PRMOFWA) in the wage-employed category, Pelarca was also recognized as the Most Outstanding Filipino Worker in Central Visayas that made him qualify for the national awards.

The national award was given on August 21, 2008 in Taguig City, Metro Manila on the occasion of the 14th anniversary of TESDA. He received a cash prize of P10,000

Rama said the city wanted to award Pelarca during the celebration of the Labor Day last May 1, but because it was a holiday and no work at the City Hall, the conferment was scheduled yesterday.

Earlier, MCWD Board chairman Juan Saul Montecillo recommended that Pelarca be awarded during the Cebu City Charter day last February 24, but Rama said he wants him to be awarded during the flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall on May 4.

The MCWD employee was recognized by TESDA for his inventions in the field of electronics as well as his involvement in socio and civic activities from his previous and present employment.

Pelarca has also received various awards and certifications from Japanese and domestic firms and other government agencies.

The prestigious President Magsaysay Award is given to those who have achieved exemplary performance in the application of the competencies gained from their education and training and who have continuously upgraded themselves through practice of long life learning. — Rene U. Borromeo/WAB (THE FREEMAN)