President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has extended a gesture of appreciation to the government's hardworking contractual workers. Through Administrative Order No. 28, the President has approved a one-time gratuity pay of up to P7,000 for Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) workers who have rendered at least four months of satisfactory service as of December 15, 2024.
The President acknowledged the invaluable contributions of COS and JO workers to the government's programs, activities, and projects, especially during these challenging times. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in delivering essential government services to the Filipino people.
To ensure fairness, the AO also provides for a pro-rata gratuity pay for COS and JO workers who have rendered less than four months of service. This means that those with three to four months of service can receive up to P6,000, two to three months can receive up to P5,000, and less than two months can receive up to P4,000.
The government aims to disburse the gratuity pay to eligible COS and JO workers no later than December 15, 2024. This timely payment will provide much-needed financial assistance to these workers and their families, especially during the holiday season.
COS and JO workers are a significant part of the government workforce. Unlike regular government employees, they do not enjoy the same benefits and security of tenure. Their employment is often temporary, project-based, or seasonal.
With over 1.8 million career employees and around 193,000 coterminous, casual, or contractual workers, the government workforce is substantial. The gratuity pay recognizes the contributions of this significant segment of the workforce.
Despite the government's efforts, over 203,000 positions remain unfilled. This underscores the need for efficient recruitment and hiring processes to address the workforce gap and ensure the smooth delivery of public services.
The President's decision to grant a gratuity pay to COS and JO workers is a positive step towards improving the welfare of these essential workers. It acknowledges their sacrifices and contributions, and provides them with a well-deserved reward.
As the government continues to address the challenges faced by the nation, it is crucial to provide adequate support to all government workers, including COS and JO personnel. This includes fair compensation, decent working conditions, and opportunities for career advancement.
By recognizing the hard work and dedication of COS and JO workers, the government is taking steps to build a more motivated and productive workforce. This, in turn, will contribute to the overall development and progress of the country.
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