Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered city government employees to take part in a clean-up activity in the central business district (CBD) on Friday as part of the city’s 116th Foundation Day celebration.

“Full cooperation and active participation in this civic initiative are enjoined in the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ and excellence in public service,” Magalong said in a media interview on Thursday.

He said the initiative, contained in Memorandum 116-2025, is aimed at promoting volunteerism, civic consciousness, and unity among government workers.

The memorandum enforces Executive Order 107-2025, which declared the morning of Sept. 12 as a community service day.

“All city government employees are enjoined to actively participate in the activity to strengthen civic consciousness, encourage volunteerism, and foster unity through community involvement,” the memorandum stated.

The different offices were given designated areas to tend to during the activity, though department heads were instructed to maintain a skeletal workforce to ensure that public services remain uninterrupted.

The activity also forms part of continuing efforts to keep public spaces clean.

Recently, the mayor directed all business establishments to maintain cleanliness not only within their shops but also in their frontages and surroundings.

At least 20 establishments have been penalized for violating the city’s anti-littering ordinance. (PNA)