Rama Gives Workers, Enforcers, Cops 6 Months to be Physically Fit

(PNA) — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has given all Cebu City Hall employees, barangay officials and workers, traffic enforcers and police personnel six months to become “physically fit.”

Rama said his “shape up or ship out” program is one of the city’s preparations for upcoming international activities, such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in 2015 and the International Eucharistic Congress in 2016.

During the six-month period, all employees will have to enroll in sports activities or fitness programs under the Cebu City Sports Commission, as stated in a memorandum issued by Cebu City Administrator Lucelle Mercado.

After six months, Rama said, an evaluation will be conducted to assess if the employees are improving.

The employees who will fail in the evaluation will be given penalties, such as transfer of office or non-renewal of contracts.

Rama said being fit will now be an additional ground for renewal of an employees’ contract.

Rama said the police will have to take care of the consequences since it has an existing order on maintaining a fit body for their personnel.

Rama said he has talked to Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Sr. Supt. Noli Romana on the matter.

“Like the thieves, the unkempt and the inefficient, potbellied employees have no place in City Hall,” he said.

But he said potbellied workers who are exceptionally smart and talented will be given considerations.

He said that if their job requires their expertise, they can stay. (PNA) LAM/EB