QC government to grant extra cash gifts

The Quezon City government will grant extra cash gifts to city hall employees this December as an offshoot of the city’s unprecedented revenue collections for the year 2002.

"With the city’s savings, I believe it is but fitting and proper that we spread the spirit of giving to the city’s work force," Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said.

A memorandum circular has already been issued by the mayor for the granting of the additional incentives. The circular was issued in compliance with a Department of Budget circular authorizing the extra cash gift pursuant to a Quezon City Council resolution authored by majority floorleader Jesus Suntay.

About 11,140 employees of the city government, including consultants and contractuals, stand to benefit from the incentive.

The city government will be spending about P21.8 million for the payment of the additional cash gift to city hall employees.

Under the memorandum circular, regular employees numbering 5,340 will receive a P3,000 additional cash gift while employees under contract of services will be given an additional P1,000 Pamaskong Handog, on top of the P4,000 Christmas incentive earlier given to them by the city government.

The mayor directed the city budget officer, the city accountant and the city treasurer to release all available funds necessary for the payment of the extra cash gifts, which shall be made not later than Dec. 20.