Aklan provincial employees get pay hike too

Kalibo, Aklan –Aklan’s Provincial Capitol employees will enjoy a 10% pay hike too this July.

This, after members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here, in their 19th regular session, unanimously approved Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez’ request for augmentation of appropriation in the annual budget of different offices for Personnel Services Savings in order to grant a 10% salary increase of the provincial employees.

The granting of the 10% salary increase was authorized by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo through Executive Order No. 611 authorizing compensation adjustments to government personnel.

Government employees had their last salary adjustment in 2001, or more than five years ago, notwithstanding periodic wage adjustments granted to the private sector and the continuous rise in the prices of basic commodities.

Through Executive Order No. 611, military and uniformed personnel under the DILG, Coast Guards and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority are also granted P30 per day increase in their subsistence allowance and a P120 per month increase in their hazard pay effective July 1, 2007.

The 10% salary increase covers civilian officials and employees of national government agencies including state universities and colleges, government-owned and controlled corporations, Government finanacial institutions and local government units which are covered by the Compensation and Position Classification system under RA 6758.

Employees under the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) of the province will also receive 10% increase in their salaries.

Besides approving the 10% pay hike of Provincial Capitol employees, the Aklan SP also approved many enactments/ordinances of the different municipalities as well as their several resolutions/requests for supplemental budget.

The SP session held June 27 was the last one presided by outgoing Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino.

Next week, a new set of provincial legislators will have their first session, composed of some reelected members and newly-elected ones in the May 2007 elections. It will be presided by newly-elected Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo. (PIA/Venus g. Villanueva)