Manila, Philippines - Over 8,000 permanent employees of the Manila city government are scheduled to receive their yearend bonus and cash gift, as announced by Mayor Honey Lacuna during Monday's flag-raising ceremony. Lacuna confirmed that the city will begin disbursing the benefits this week, thanking City Treasurer Jasmin Talegon for ensuring timely release of employee benefits. The mayor requested an early release of these benefits to facilitate early Christmas preparations for the city workers.
According to Philippines News Agency, local government unit employees are entitled to a yearend bonus equivalent to one-month basic salary and a cash gift of PHP5,000, to be distributed no earlier than November 15. Mayor Lacuna emphasized the city's commitment to timely benefit distribution, not only for employees but also for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, single parents, Universidad de Manila students, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila students, and Grade 12 students. Lacuna also invited the public, including officials, employees, and residents, to participate in the city's Christmas celebration, which will commence with the lighting of a giant Christmas tree and lantern at the Kartilya ng Katipunan monument near the city hall on November 17 at 6 p.m.