Rice, P20,000 bonus for Capitol workers

CEBU, Philippines — The more than 5,000 Capitol employees will each receive a P20,000 anniversary incentive and 25 kilos of rice as part of the Province of Cebu's 457th Founding Anniversary celebration.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro announced on Thursday, August 6, that the 5,070 employees of the provincial government, regardless of employment status, provided that they have rendered at least one month of service before the anniversary, will receive the incentives.

Baricuatro said the cash bonus and rice incentive is the provincial government's way of recognizing the dedication and commitment of Capitol employees to public service.

"Thank you for your service, patience and professionalism. I see your hardwork everyday, especially the many sacrifices you made to serve our people," the governor told employees during the anniversary program.

She also urged Capitol workers to continue working together to deliver quality government services.

"Ato ning ipadayon, dili ni nako kaya," Baricuatro said.

The governor explained that this year's anniversary incentive is lower than last year's grant as part of the provincial government's efforts to maintain sound fiscal management.

"The 20,000 is a little bit smaller than we gave last year but due to financial housekeeping nato mao na nga e make sure nga sound atong ipang hatag karon ug walay tiyansa nga bawion og balik," she said.

Last year, Capitol employees received a P35,000 anniversary incentive.

The provincial workforce is composed of 846 permanent employees, 377 casual personnel, 3,591 job order workers, 233 co-terminus employees, two contract of service personnel, and 21 elected officials.

Capitol officials and employees gathered yesterday at the Capitol grounds for the anniversary celebration, which opened with a Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Jonathan Rubin.

The celebration also featured a raffle for Capitol employees, with one employee winning the P100,000 grand cash prize. Baricuatro said the grand prize came from her personal salary.

"It's out of my salary, so ako tong gi share sa Probinsiya nu pampalingaw lang sad and also makatabang lang sad," the governor said.

Other raffle prizes included a motorcycle, eight JBL speakers, eight laptops, eight tablets, and several hotel stay packages.

The festivities also included a Family Day activity held a day earlier, during which the children of Capitol employees participated in games and received prizes.

Baricuatro said the happiness of Capitol employees is equally rewarding for her.

"Basta happy mo, happy kaayo ko," she said.

She likewise reaffirmed her commitment to leaving behind a stronger provincial government, regardless of how long she remains in office.

"I really don't know how far we'll stay here…one term, two terms, three terms. But I want to ensure, that we will leave behind a strong, clean, and credible Provincial Capitol," Baricuatro said.

The Province of Cebu traces its beginnings to August 6, 1569, when Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi established Cebu as the first Spanish settlement and seat of government in the Philippines. — /FPL (FREEMAN)