Navotas frontliners get special risk pay

MANILA, Philippines — More than 400 City Hall employees in Navotas who work in the health sector have received an additional incentive after the local government released P2.8 million for their one-time special risk allowance (SRA).

“We are grateful that our medical and health-care providers are dedicated and resilient. They have been tirelessly working, providing earnest care and service for the past six months,” Mayor Toby Tiangco said in a statement.

A total of 187 employees in the city health office received their SRA, in addition to 241 others from the city’s lone hospital. According to the city public information office, the beneficiaries were regular and contractual workers, part-time physicians, emergency doctors and pay-per-visit doctors.

In May, the city council signed City Ordinance No. 2020-20, which granted additional pay for public health workers in Navotas who were in constant and direct contact with mild, asymptomatic and severe new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.

This was in accordance with Malacañang’s Administrative Order No. 28, which authorized local government units to grant a one-time COVID-19 SRA that was equivalent to a maximum of 25 percent of an employee’s monthly basic pay.

“We value the sacrifices they make for our [residents]. We hope the SRA will help boost their morale and give them renewed strength as we continue to combat this health crisis,” Tiangco said.

—Meg Adonis