Over a hundred of Cebu City Government employees flocked to the Cebu City Social Hall and learned on tips from experts on coping with stress and managing emotions in the workplace.

Amiel Subingsubing also tackled the programs and services of the Philippine Mental Health Association Cebu Chapter during the activity, while Marietta Latonio discussed on the tips on how to cope with stress at work.

The Philippine Mental Health Association Cebu Chapter is conducting series of seminars to public servants to help in the speedy delivery of basic services and to have a healthy workplace. (By: Greggy P. Senados/ City of Cebu, Public Information Office)

Applicants must be 18-24 years old, at least High School level, no work experience or have less than one year accumulated work experience, currently not in employment and not enrolled in school or in any training.

The requirements included duly filled-up National Skills Registration Form from DMDP, PSA/NSO Birth Certificate, and High School Diploma, Transcript of Records or College Diploma as applicable.

JobStart Philippines is a partnership initiative by the Department of Labor and Employment or DOLE, Asian Development Bank, Canadian International Development Agency of the Government of Canada, and various local government units in the Philippines.

The program aims to provide a full cycle employment bridging package to youth-beneficiaries including life skills training, accessible labor market information, career counseling, on-the-job training, and other employment facilitation services.

Under the program, at least an 300 slots for youth beneficiaries from Cebu City is allocated by DOLE this year. Beneficiaries will receive Two hundred pesos (P200) daily stipend during the technical and life skills training and at least 75% of the city’s minimum wage from the employers during internship. It further aims to shorten school-to-work transition of unemployed youth from 2 to 4 years to only 6 to 9 months. (By: Greggy P. Senados/ City of Cebu, Public Information Office)

Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, who was the acting mayor during the celebration enthuses in his message that there were Filipinos who shed their sweat, blood and tears for us to be free and breathe the air of democracy and liberty.

Borrowing US President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address famous quote, Labella also reminded everyone that, “Ask not what the country can do for you but ask yourself what you can do for the country,” adding that as public servants we must always uphold the principle of accountability.

Labella also led the Flag Raising Ceremony during the program proper which followed after the Holy Mass.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña who was in Europe for an official travel during the celebration posted his Independence Day message in his Facebook Page.

“Even if it's just for today, let's set aside our political differences and remember that we all belong under one Flag,” Mayor Osmeña posted.

Meanwhile, during the celebration, newly created Cebu City Children's Choir composed of street children led the singing of the National Anthem and rendered a song number dedicated to Mayor Osmeña and City Councilor Margarita Osmeña entitled “Inang Bayan”.

The newly created Cebu City Cultural Dance Troupe which is also composed of street children also offered a Folk Dance presentation entitled “SUBLI” during the activity. That was the first time that they have the chance to dance since its creation last month.

Moreover, Philippine Independence Day is observed as a Regular Holiday in the entire country. It celebrates the Nation’s Independence from the Spanish colonizers which was formally proclaimed on June 12, 1898 with the reading of the Proclamation of Independence in Kawit, Cavite. (By: Greggy P. Senados/ City of Cebu, Public Information Office)

"This activity is in line with the World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) celebration which is observed every June 14 but since that day is already full in schedule, we opted to conduct it on June 8," Senados emphasized in an interview with the Media.

At least 162 possible donors attended the activity which was pursued in collaboration with the Cebu City Health Department, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Cebu City Medical Center, Cebu Lions Club, and the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) in Cebu.

Amor Cielo Cantillas, Blood Center Manager of PNRC Cebu Chapter, enthuses that this activity is of great help to those in need of blood supply to help save their lives, adding that there is really a need for more blood donations due to the high demand of all blood types in Cebu.

Cantillas stressed that regular donation of blood can help the donor to stay fit and healthy and for male it makes them less likely to have a heart attack.

She said that a person can donate blood every after three months.

For Engr. Rene Cavales, 30, from Barangay Talamban, Cebu City, one of the successful donors, he said that what motivates him to donate blood is to help others who are in need.

"This is my gift to those in need of blood because I am given by God of the capacity to donate. Last Christmas in 2016 that was my first time to donate blood and it was fulfilling that you can extend a helping hand to extend the life of the patient, and it was also a gift for my self," Cavales underscored.

The activity further aims to have a data base among Cebu City Government employees and volunteers on who can donate blood and what are the blood types available. (City of Cebu, Public Information Office)