Bacolod releases PHP 199M in worker benefits this December

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has approved the release of over PHP 199 million in incentives and bonuses for city government employees this December, urging workers to turn the financial rewards into improved public service.

“We appeal to our regular employees as well as our job order workers to translate these additional benefits into improved public service,” Gasataya said. “This is part of our commitment to recognize their hard work while ensuring that our people receive better and more efficient services.”

The disbursement orders, signed by the mayor on December 18, 2025, cover multiple incentives aimed at rewarding both regular and contractual employees for their performance throughout the year.

Among the approved allocations are PHP 45 million for the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) Incentive, PHP 30 million for the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI), and PHP 8.815 million for the Productivity Incentive Allowance and Performance Enhancement Incentive (PIA/PEI).

The city will also release PHP 25 million for the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB), which is awarded to regular and plantilla casual employees based on merit and compliance with performance targets.

In addition, Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) personnel will each receive PHP 7,000 in gratuity pay. This will total PHP 29.176 million in financial assistance for the city’s non-permanent workforce.

The benefits package also includes PHP 8.815 million in cash gifts for regular and casual employees, on top of the PHP 52.203 million in year-end bonuses distributed last November.

To support the seamless implementation of these payouts, Gasataya secured approval from the Department of Finance to extend the appointment of Acting City Treasurer Gary Gecosala beyond the end of 2025.

The mayor also acknowledged Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla for the timely issuance of the Notice of Eligibility that enabled the city to release the Performance-Based Bonus within the calendar year.

Gasataya emphasized that the disbursement of these funds reflects the city’s fiscal responsibility and its ongoing effort to improve service delivery.

“This substantial investment in our personnel must translate to an equal commitment to better serve the people of Bacolod,” he said.