Manila - Government employees in the Philippines are set to receive their year-end bonus and cash gift beginning November 15, as announced by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday. DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman confirmed the release of funds totaling PHP60.5 billion for the year-end bonus and an additional PHP8.9 billion for the cash gift of over 1.7 million civilian personnel, military, and uniformed personnel (MUP) in national government agencies (NGAs).
According to Philippines News Agency, Pangandaman detailed that approximately PHP45.3 billion out of the PHP60.5 billion is allocated for civilian personnel, with the remaining PHP15.2 billion designated for MUP. The appropriations for these bonuses and cash gifts were released to the concerned NGAs at the start of the fiscal year. As per DBM Budget Circular (BC) No. 2016-4, the year-end bonus is equivalent to one month of basic pay as of October 31, and the cash gift of PHP5,000 will be distributed to qualified government personnel. To be eligible, public servants must have rendered at least four months of service from January 1 to October 31 of the current year and remain in government service as of October 31. Pangandaman emphasized that this financial benefit is a symbol of appreciation for the dedicated public servants who contribute significantly to the country's economic reactivation. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to acknowledge government workers' sacrifices. Pangandaman advised government employees to spend their bonuses wisely on necessities and meaningful endeavors. In his message during the 123rd Philippine Civil Service Anniversary in September, President Marcos praised the over 1.8 million-strong government workforce for their commitment and integrity in delivering quality service to Filipinos and urged them to continue striving for a better future for the country.