The Negros Occidental provincial government distributed Christmas gift packs and rice to its 2,320 job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers on Monday, Dec. 16.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the ceremonial distribution held at the Provincial Capitol lobby in Bacolod City, acknowledged the contribution of the JO and COS personnel in running the affairs of the province.
“They play a crucial role in the success of the provincial government’s projects and programs and contribute significantly to their effective implementation,” he said.
The recipients included 1,362 JO and 958 COS employees.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said the food packs came personally from the governor and not from the coffers of the government.
Aside from the gift packs and rice, they will also receive gratuity pay of P7,000, higher by P2,000 from last year’s P5,000, which is expected to be released within the month.
Last week, Lacson announced that regular and plantilla casual personnel will receive P55,000 in additional bonuses starting this week.
The amount includes P30,000 for the Collective Negotiation Agreement bonus, P20,000 for Service Recognition Incentive, and P5,000 for Productivity Enhancement Incentive.
The payrolls for the PEI and CNA bonuses have already been processed for distribution, Diaz said.
A request for the approval of a supplemental budget for the SRI will be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, he said.*PNA