The provincial government of Negros Occidental is spreading early Christmas cheer to its workforce after the provincial board approved a substantial financial package for employees.
Provincial Board Approves Multi-Million Peso Package
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Negros Occidental gave its official nod to a total of P85 million in benefits for provincial government employees. This significant allocation is designed to reward workers as the year comes to a close.
The approval breaks down into two main components to cover different groups of workers. A major portion, P60 million, has been earmarked for the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) of regular, permanent employees. This incentive serves as a year-end acknowledgment of their service.
Support for Job Order and Contract of Service Workers
Recognizing the contributions of non-regular staff, the provincial board also approved P20 million specifically for the gratuity pay of job order (JO) workers and contract of service (COS) employees. Each eligible JO and COS worker under the provincial government will receive a one-time payment of P7,000.
Bacolod City Follows Suit with Parallel Benefits
In a parallel development, the Bacolod City government is also set to provide year-end financial benefits to its personnel. Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, who chairs the City Council's committee on appropriation and finance, confirmed the approvals.
Sayson reported that the Bacolod City Council has allocated P29 million for the gratuity pay of its own JO and COS employees, who will likewise receive P7,000 each. Furthermore, the council approved P30 million for the SRI of the city's regular employees.
The councilor emphasized the timing, stating that the goal is to release the gratuity pay to employees before Christmas. "It’s up to them how fast they can prepare their payroll so they can claim the gratuity pay. It will depend on their offices or departments," Sayson explained, indicating that the speed of distribution will be managed by individual departments processing their payrolls.
These combined approvals from both the provincial and city governments represent a substantial infusion of year-end support for public sector workers in Negros Occidental, aiming to provide financial relief and recognition during the holiday season.
