BACOLOD City – Several offices of the city government here will operate on a skeletal workforce during the holidays despite the national government’s declaration of non-working days.
Acting Mayor El Cid Familiaran identified key offices that will remain partially operational due to their critical roles during the holiday season. These include the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), City Legal Office (CLO) Enforcement Unit, Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), and the City Health Office (CHO).
“These offices are essential frontline services, especially during the holiday period,” Familiaran said.
Additionally, the City Treasurer’s Office, particularly the Land Tax Division, and the City Accounting Office, will render overtime work on December 24 to accommodate taxpayers settling their real property taxes.
In another development, Familiaran announced the approval of an appropriation ordinance reallocating P29,750,000 for the grant of gratuity pay to contract of service (COS) and job order (JO) workers. This follows Administrative Order No. 28 issued by Malacañang on December 19.
The ordinance, which was passed on first, second, and third readings during the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s (SP) regular session on December 23, facilitates the processing of payroll for the gratuity pay. The city government aims to release the incentives by Friday.
Meanwhile, taxpayers paying their real property taxes for 2025 are reminded to avail of a 20% discount if payments are made before December 31./PN
