Rama vows recognition for more selfless workers

CEBU, Philippines -  In yesterday’s celebration of the 72nd Charter Day, Cebu City acting Mayor Michael Rama assured the other city employees they will also be given due recognition should their work performances continue to improve.

Rama said that the heads of the various departments at the City Hall are continuously monitoring the performances of their personnel.

Department chiefs nominate top-performing workers in their respective offices, as in the case of the Public Information Office wherein Nagiel Bañacia recommended mechanic Eduardo Paquibot.

Mayor on-leave Tomas Osmeña has also agreed that city employees who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to their jobs be granted increase in their salaries or be given certain benefits.

Earlier, Osmeña shook a head to the granting of a salary hike for the 5,000 city workers, saying the move is not worth it as “many of them are lazy”.

Many of these city employees allegedly report for work only to loiter at the CH lobby, while others reportedly fetch their children in schools and pay their water bills even during office hours.

Last night, Rama handed over the awards to the outstanding individuals and institutions in a formal awarding ceremony at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug.

Among those awarded were Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, former mayor Florentino Solon, Dr. Renato Bautista, the forensic expert of the National Bureau of Investigation; the International Police and former Bogota, Colombia mayor Enrique Peñalosa.

Meanwhile, despite the alleged poor performances of many CH workers, over 4,000 of them are set to receive this week their differential worth P12,000 for the 2006 incentives – the Accomplishment Compensation Allowance and the Personnel Emergency Relief Allowance.

The release of the differential was confirmed by Rama in his speech yesterday.

When broken down, the P12,000 means P500 for ACA and the other P500 for PERA, monthly for one year.

A supplemental budget was crafted by Council Committee on Budget and Finance head, Councilor Jose Daluz III and was eventually approved last week.

Assistant city treasurer Emma Villarete said that the payroll is “already realized” and that the “amount will be released directly to the employees’ ATM.” – Rene U. Borromeo and Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV   (THE FREEMAN)