Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has taken decisive action to support municipal workers impacted by the recent typhoon by initiating a financial review for potential early release of year-end benefits.
Financial Assessment Ordered
During a press conference held on Monday, November 10, 2025, Mayor Archival revealed that he has directed City Treasurer Emma Villarete to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the city's fiscal position. This assessment will determine whether the City Government can advance the distribution of both the 13th month pay and Christmas bonus for all City Hall employees.
The mayor emphasized that the early release of these benefits would help alleviate the financial strain on workers affected by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi), which recently battered the region. "I told Emma to check if we can give and how much we can give now, so we can assess how much benefits we can provide to our City Hall employees," Archival stated during the conference.
Balancing Financial Obligations
Archival acknowledged that the city's capacity to provide early payments depends entirely on its current financial standing, particularly considering recent expenditures. The city has recently distributed financial aid to senior citizens and is processing pending requests for barangay assistance.
"There would be no problem releasing the bonuses early once sufficient funds become available," the mayor assured, while emphasizing the need to balance the city's various financial obligations while still providing timely support to employees.
Appeal to Private Sector
The mayor's directive follows his earlier appeal to private employers throughout Cebu to demonstrate compassion toward workers affected by the typhoon. Archival encouraged business establishments to implement immediate relief measures, suggesting options such as allowing employees to charge electronic devices at offices, providing modest financial assistance, or advancing portions of their 13th month pay.
"This is not an order, my friends. This is simply a heartfelt request, for all of us to help one another so that no one is left behind," Archival expressed, highlighting the collective effort needed during the recovery period.
The mayor's position has found support from other local officials, including Councilor Harold Go, chairperson of the City Council's Committee on Business and Urban Planning, who has similarly appealed to business establishments to advance the release of the 13th month pay for their employees to aid in disaster recovery efforts.
