Final session of 2019 set for Tuesday
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer said the Negros Occidental Provincial Board is prepared to conduct special sessions when necessary. The vice governor, who presides over the local legislative body, said they will try to complete their agenda this year but they will be available if Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson forwards a proposal that needs approval.
Their final session is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17.
Negros Occidental provincial administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, previously affirmed the passing of resolutions granting provincial employees the Incentive for Exemplary Services, which is expected to benefit over 2,000 workers.
Employees eligible for the bonus include those who have been employed for at least four months as of October 31 and rendered “satisfactory service.” In addition, Diaz pointed out, those who have retired are eligible to receive a “prorated rate.”
Meanwhile, the provincial government’s Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence also approved the Service Recognition Incentive, which awards a maximum P10,000 for each eligible employee.
Earlier, the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE) sent letters seeking additional year-end bonuses for provincial government employees.
PACE Vice President Renelo Lastierre said the union is asking for the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) bonus, Productivity Enhancement Incentive, and Incentive Benefits for Exemplary Service bonuses.
Last year, in addition to 14th-month pay, provincial government employees were granted P55,000 in bonuses, comprised of P50,000 in the form of cash incentive and P5,000 as the CNA bonus, along with an additional P30,000 in various bonuses.
“We are hoping it will be more than last year,” Lastierre said. “The provincial government has funds for it.”/DGB, WDJ