By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental provincial government had begun the release of bonuses for their employees, who are each expected to receive P55,000.
In a report by Aksyon Radyo-Bacolod, the release was originally slated for December 20 but it was delayed after the list of eligible employees was submitted to department heads late.
The bonuses were instead released last Thursday.
The additional P5,000 performance enhancement incentive was earlier released last Monday.
The provincial government currently employs a total 3,197 permanent and casual employees.
Earlier this month, the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE) sent letters seeking additional year-end bonuses for provincial government employees.
Last year, in addition to 14th-month pay, Negros Occidental provincial government employees were granted P55,000 in bonuses, comprised of P50,000 in the form of cash incentive and P5,000 as the Collective Negotiation Agreement bonus, along with an additional P30,000 in various bonuses.
“We are hoping it will be more than last year,” PACE Vice President Renelo Lastierre said. “The provincial government has funds for it.”/DGB, WDJ