Lobregat seeks Malacanang’s nod for P20T extra bonus
Mayor Celso Lobregat has sought Malacanang’s approval for the grant of an additional P20,000 cash gift for the over 2,000 city government employees this
Christmas.
The chief executive formally wrote the president recently citing the city’s sound fiscal management that allows the local government to undertake a well-balanced program covering all sectors and to have sufficient savings with no single debt from any financial institution.
Mayor Lobregat made the most awaited announcement Friday night during the kick off program for the Pascua na Zamboanga 2009 at the Plaza Pershing attended by city government officials and employees.
The extra windfall will be in addition to the Christmas bonus and cash gifts that the city government employees received last month.
“We have sought the authority from the office of the president,” the mayor said eliciting loud applause from the audience.
Some 2,055 employees—permanent and casual—are entitled to the extra cash bonus, if and when it is approved. This would require over P40 million appropriation for the purpose.
Last year, Malacanang authorized the grant of additional P17,000 extra cash bonus, based on Mayor Lobregat’s request. A year ago, the extra bonus was P15,000. Malacanang’s authority is grounded on the fact that the city government has sufficient funds for the purpose.
Meanwhile, Mayor Lobregat in his message urged the city workers and the populace to celebrate the Christmas with one voice, one tune and one dream and to reflect on the real meaning of the birth of the Infant Jesus.
He said people should remain thankful and appreciative of all the guidance, protection and blessings received during the past years.
The Pascua na Zamboanga 2009 kicked off with a lantern parade participated by city government employees with participation from the drum and lyre corps from the Tetuan Central School, Boalan Elementary School, Sta. Maria Central School, Sangali Elementary School and the ADZU Grade School.
The program was highlighted by the ceremonial switch on of the giant Christmas trees in Plaza Pershing and Paseo del Mar and the lights in City Hall and the city government inter-cluster choral competition.
Adjudged as first prize winner with P7, 000 cash prize was the chorale group representing City Hall-main; second prize winner with P5,000 cash prize was the group representing the City Hall-annex and the third prize winner with P3,000 cash prize was the group from Pettit Barracks.
Judges during the competition were Angie Constantinopla, Jun Sotillo and Emma Sebastian. (Sheila Covarrubias)