By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE) in Negros Occidental is elated after the provincial government announced that they will implement a salary hike for its 3,237 employees next month.

PACE president Renelo Lastierre said they are thankful for the approval and implementation of the last tranche of the salary increase for Capitol employees.

Lastierre said when the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved their salary hike, they were very happy as it would greatly help them.

Meanwhile, provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson asked the SP to implement the fourth tranche of the modified salary schedule effective July 1.

This is pursuant to Section 5 of the Department of Budget and Management’s Local Budget Circular 149.

The provincial government has allotted P30.1 million for the pay hikes from July to December of this year.

An additional P28,176,892 for 3,182 employees and P1,952,019 for 55 staff of the Economic Enterprise Development Department will be allocated.

Savings from the vacant positions of each office will cover the salary adjustment of their respective personnel.

Diaz said the salary increase will be included in the 2024 budget./DGB, WDJ