Employees of the Cebu Provincial Government are set for a merrier Christmas with the approval of substantial year-end bonuses and incentives, totaling up to P55,000 for regular and casual staff. The announcement was made by Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Breakdown of Cebu Provincial Government Bonuses
More than 1,000 employees are slated to benefit from the financial boost. The package includes a P30,000 holiday bonus, a P20,000 Service Recognition Incentive (SRI), and an additional P5,000 Performance-Based Incentive (PBI). For Job Order personnel, a one-time P15,000 gratuity pay and service incentive has been allocated.
The funding for these bonuses hinges on a supplemental budget, which the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is scheduled to deliberate on during its final session on Monday, December 22. If approved, the release of the funds is expected on or after Christmas Day.
Ensuring Compliance and Addressing Past Issues
Empaces emphasized that strict adherence to Civil Service Commission (CSC) requirements was a top priority this year. This comes after the Commission on Audit flagged submission lapses in the previous fiscal year. To prevent similar issues, all necessary documents were prepared and submitted to the CSC Central Office around the first week of December.
"The decision was to make sure that the documents complied," Empaces stated. He added that the provincial government coordinated with the Peace Employee Association to ensure the bonus release aligns with regulations and avoids the disallowances faced in the past.
The official also highlighted the timely nature of the aid, particularly for employees grappling with the aftermath of recent calamities like the September 30 earthquake and Typhoon Tino on November 4. "Many have been affected by the earthquake, so they are grateful for this initiative. It's a win-win for everyone," he remarked.
Mandaue City's Separate Incentive Approval
In a related development, the Mandaue City Council has greenlit the release of a P5,000 Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) for its city government employees. Councilor Joel Seno, chair of the Committee on Appropriation, Budget, and Finance, explained that the release follows the completion of administrative guidelines and a directive from Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano.
The SRI was initially planned to be distributed alongside the Performance Enhancement Incentive (PEI). However, its release was temporarily held back because the guidelines for the PEI had not been signed as of Monday, December 15. The PEI was not covered under the relevant administrative orders at the time.
Although the PEI guidelines were eventually signed on December 18, 2025, the city council had already held its final session for the year on December 16. This timing means preparations for the PEI may extend into January 2026 if not completed before the holidays. City officials are now focused on distributing the across-the-board P5,000 SRI before December 24, as instructed by the mayor. Funding will be sourced from the Mandaue City local government.
Empaces noted that the Cebu Provincial Government's bonus scheme is part of an existing Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) with the Employees Association, which is due for renewal next year under the administration of Governor Pamela Baricuatro.
