Aquino vows performance-based incentives for gov’t workers

AP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III on Monday promised “performance-based incentives” for government employees.

“The face of government has truly changed. Our compensation levels are at par with the private sector’s at the entry level. But as you rise through the ranks, private-sector pay overtakes the government,” Aquino said.

However, Aquino said that it remains incapable of bridging that gap. However, the performance bonus will help boost morale of government employees.

“Starting this year, we will implement a system in which bonuses are based on their agency’s abilities to meet their annual targets. Employees now hold the keys to their own advancement,” Aquino said in his speech.

Incentives may reach up to P35,000 depending on their performance, Aquino said adding that this will be on top of government employees’ across-the-board Christmas bonus.

“We are doing this not only to boost morale and to show appreciation of our public servants. This is, above all, for the Filipino people, who expect sincere and efficient service–who expect that they will continue to be the sole Bosses of our workers in government,” Aquino added.

Livelihood in communities

He also bared plans to provide communities with livelihood through tree planting programs that do not involve cutting down the trees.

The chief executive pointed out that communities involved in such programs usually see the trees as something they can sell:  “They would cut these down and turn them into charcoal.”

His solution: have DSWD coordinate with communities under the tree planting programs and the National Convergence Initiative and make a deal that in exchange of looking after the trees would be conditional cash transfer.

Citing similar cases with other communities which are given seedlings of coffee and cocoa, Aquino said that the set up will ensure that those involved receive additional earnings.

He then transitioned to the topic of illegal logging, saying that it was not long after the release of Executive Order 23 that officials and the DENR were able to seize illegally sourced logs.

These confiscated logs will be used by the communities through TESDA which will teach them carpentry.