South Cotabato. Philippines | December 24, 2025 – The Provincial Government of South Cotabato is taking decisive steps to ensure that long-awaited benefits for its employees are released without further delay, Provincial Administrator Atty. Renette B. Bergado assured during the flag ceremony held on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Atty. Bergado expressed optimism that the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) and other employee benefits will be signed within the day by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Office of the Provincial Accounting Officer.
These benefits cover Job Order (JO) workers, Contract of Service (COS) personnel, and regular employees of the provincial government.
“Hopefully mapasok natin yong CNA today (December 22, 2025), and ang ating SRI for Approval pa ng SP Today (December 22, 2025). Hopefully ma approve, and then maipasok natin agad, kasi hindi natin alam baka ma declare naman si PBBM na walang pasok sa Friday,” Bergado stated.
She emphasized the urgency of expediting the process, noting that any sudden declaration of holidays by the national government could further delay the release of benefits that employees have been patiently waiting for.
The move comes amid positive developments at the national level.
President Ferdinand E. Marcos Jr. earlier approved a ₱7,000 gratuity pay for Job Order and Contract of Service workers.
In addition to this, provincial officials confirmed that JO and COS personnel in South Cotabato are also set to receive ₱6,000 in generosity shares sourced from the CNA benefits of regular employees.
With these combined benefits, JO and COS workers are expected to receive a total of ₱13,000, providing much-needed financial relief during the holiday season.
Provincial officials highlighted that this gesture reflects the administration’s recognition of the vital role played by all government workers, regardless of employment status.
The Provincial Government reaffirmed its commitment to fair and inclusive governance, ensuring that every employee—from regular staff to contractual workers—feels valued and supported.
As the year draws to a close, the timely release of these benefits serves as a morale boost and a testament to the administration’s dedication to employee welfare and good governance.
