BAGUIO CITY – The City Council approved on third and final reading an ordinance granting cash incentives in the amount of P5,000 for every year of service to every retiring official and employee of the local government or city elective official at the end of his or her term in recognition of their unselfish contribution and dedicated service, and amending for the purpose Ordinance No. 08, series of 2007 as amended by Ordinance No. 074, series of 2001 and further amended by Ordinance No. 20, series of 2013.
The ordinance authored by Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr. stated over the years, the local government displayed excellent performance in the delivery of service to the public and had even exceeded its targets and this feat had far reaching effects that the city was praised nationwide as evidenced by the numerous awards and recognitions it garnered through the years.
He noted that the said achievements, however, is undoubtedly credited to the dedicated service and commitment of the work force of the local government.
As the concerned officials and employees reach their retirement in the government service, Yangot claimed it is but appropriate that the local government grant them additional incentives by increasing their retirement benefits as provided for under Ordinance No. 20, series of 2013 in recognition of their contributions and dedicated service to the government and to help them cope with the present financial difficulties as their monthly incomes virtually come to a close.
The approval of the ordinance came after the city’s local finance committee also endorsed the approval of the local legislative measure which had been pending even before the previous council.
The ordinance said it is a policy of the local government to grant cash incentives in the amount of P5,000 for every year of service of every retiring official or employee of the city, including elected government officials whose term of office shall expire, in recognition of their unselfish contribution and dedicated service.
The ordinance will take effect pursuant to the pertinent provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 and after Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan shall have affixed his signature on the said piece of legislation enacted by the local legislative body.
Previously, the cash incentives being granted by the local government to retiring officials and employees has been fixed by previous ordinances at P1,500 for every year of service in recognition of their contributions and dedicated service to the government during their stint in the government.
The funds that will be used for the grant of the newly approved cash incentives for retiring officials and employees of the local government, including elected city officials whose term will come to an end, will be chargeable against the city’s annual budget for the year and from other available appropriations that will be earmarked for the same purpose.
By Dexter A. See