Makati releases P569.47-M in yearend bonuses

‘We want our employees to avoid the Christmas rush and be able to shop for Christmas presents and prepare for the traditional Noche Buena this early.’

Some 8,185 city government employees of Makati have received their Christmas bonuses after Mayor Abby Binay ordered the early release of yearend bonuses amounting to P569.47 million.

The mayor said the employees can also look forward to getting an additional P11,000 by mid-December when the city releases their P5,000-productivity incentive and P6,000-clothing allowance.

“We want our employees to avoid the Christmas rush and be able to shop for Christmas presents and prepare for the traditional Noche Buena this early,” Mayor Abby said.

“We expect the additional cash benefits they will receive in December to help them and their loved ones greet the New Year filled with hope and cheer,” she added.

The mayor said according to the Human Resource Development Office, the lowest-ranking regular and casual employees have received P42,800 in yearend bonuses, excluding the PEI and clothing allowance this December.

The yearend bonuses released to each of the 3,536 regular employees and 4,649 casual employees consist of about two months’ basic salary, P5,000 cash gift, and P12,000 incentive allowance.

Mayor Abby said aside from cash benefits, all regular and casual employees will receive the traditional Pamaskong Handog gift bag containing assorted canned goods, pasta and fruit salad ingredients and T-shirts.

At present, Makati City Hall employees enjoy numerous benefits.

Regular and casual employees are covered under the GSIS Group Personal Accident Insurance. Since 2018, the city government has provided added protection and a financial safety net for employees and their families with a P1-million accidental death benefit, aside from medical reimbursement for treatment and hospitalization.

Under the Yellow Card program, employees also have free access to the medical and laboratory services of Ospital ng Makati and Makati Life Medical Center, including prescription drugs at the hospital pharmacy and Planet Drugstore outlets. They also receive a monthly supply of free maintenance medicine and vitamins.

Last May, the city partnered with KonsultaMD of the Globe Group to provide free 24/7 online consultations to all city government workers. After downloading the app and registering, employees can consult with licensed doctors and healthcare professionals through video calls without leaving the safety of their homes or offices.

KonsultaMD also offers e-prescriptions, laboratory requests, online medical certificates, and mental health support. Employees can present their e-prescriptions to Planet Drugstore to avail themselves of free medicines.