SOME 500 government workers from different local government units and agencies on Wednesday, September 26, joined a Zumba for a cause at Heroes Hall in the City of San Fernando.

Officials and employees representing Pampanga local government units, water districts, state universities and colleges, and national government agencies attended the event.

The dance for a cause was led by leading Zumba instructors from Pampanga who guided the participants with various moves.

The activity’s proceeds will go to the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth in Magalang.

Mark Anthony Lodrigito of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region III said that based on a survey conducted by the Department of Health that three out of ten government workers experience with too much stress, depression, and anxiety.

Rosalinda Tanaliga-Oliva, OIC-assistant director of the Civil Service Commission Central Luzon, said that the fitness activity is a process of combating stress.

“Government workers, at times, forget to allot time for their health, as they apply too much time for work,” Oliva said.

Mayor Edwin Santiago added that one of his advocacies is “health is the greatest wealth.”

“The best gift we can give ourselves is health. Health that we get at the right time of the day, the amount of drinking water, and proper exercise like Zumba,” Santiago said.

Santiago lauded the activity organizers and the coordinators for conducting Zumba with a cause.

“It's not just Zumba. It is 'Zumba for a Cause' with the goal of making every government employee healthy, creating unity and helping those in need,” Santiago added.

The fundraiser is in line with the celebration of 118th Philippine Civil Service anniversary.