The Mandaue City Council has approved on first reading a proposed ordinance that seeks to increase the honorarium of job-order (JO) workers and Clean and Green personnel employed by the Mandaue City Government, with the new rates set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Proposed Increases and Current Rates
The measure, introduced by Councilor Joel Seno, chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations, Budget, and Finance, proposes raising the daily honorarium of job-order workers from P435 to P450. It also aims to increase the monthly honorarium of Clean and Green Program staff from P4,500 to P4,800.
According to Seno, the proposed adjustments are intended to help city workers cope with the rising cost of living due to persistent inflation. He emphasized that the adjustment has been long overdue.
“I believe that to keep up with the changing times, we also have to think about our employees,” Seno said.
Historical Context and Inflation Impact
Seno revealed that the last adjustment to the honorarium for job-order workers and Clean and Green staff was implemented more than two years ago. Government data shows that inflation averaged 3.2% in 2024 and 1.7% in 2025. However, as of May 2026, inflation has averaged 4.5%, further exacerbating the financial difficulties of workers and their families.
Under the proposed ordinance, the increase for job-order workers represents approximately 3.4%, while the increase for Clean and Green personnel is about 6.6%.
Variation in Work Days
Seno explained that all job-order workers receive the same daily honorarium, but their total monthly income varies depending on the number of days they are required to work. “Some render service for 20 days, others for 24 days, while some work for 30 days, depending on the exigencies of the service,” Seno said.
Next Steps and Expected Impact
The ordinance has passed its first reading, and city officials are now working to expedite the remaining legislative process so that the new honorarium rates can take effect on July 1. If approved on final reading, the measure is expected to provide significant financial relief to thousands of city-hired workers.
Through this initiative, the Mandaue City Government recognizes the vital role of job-order workers and Clean and Green personnel in delivering public services and maintaining the cleanliness and daily operations of the city.
