Christmas cheer is coming early for the regular and casual employees of the Cebu Provincial Government, as they stand to receive a substantial bonus package potentially reaching P55,000 for the holiday season. This welcome news was announced by Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces on Friday, December 9, 2025.
Breakdown of the P55,000 Bonus Package
More than 1,000 employees are expected to benefit from this financial boost. The total amount is a combination of three separate incentives. A P30,000 holiday bonus is provided directly by the province. This is supplemented by a P20,000 Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) and an additional P5,000 Performance-Based Incentive (PBI).
For personnel under Job Order (JO) contracts, the package is different but still significant. They are set to receive a total of P15,000, which includes a one-time Gratuity Pay and a service incentive.
Approval Process and Distribution Timeline
The proposed supplemental budget needed to fund these bonuses will be tackled in the final session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Monday, December 22, 2025. Assuming swift approval, the distribution of the bonuses is anticipated to begin either on Christmas Day or shortly after.
Empaces emphasized that adherence to Civil Service Commission (CSC) requirements is crucial to ensure the smooth release of the funds. This strict compliance is intended to prevent any "audit lapses" or discrepancies similar to those flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA) in previous years.
Bonus as Aid and Part of Employee Agreement
The official highlighted the immense help this bonus will provide to the workforce, especially to those who were affected by recent calamities. He specifically mentioned the earthquake on September 30 and Typhoon Tino on November 4.
Furthermore, this bonus initiative is part of the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) between the Capitol and the Employees Association. This agreement is slated for renewal next year under the administration of Governor Pamela Baricuatro.
