Hardworking Pagasa employees to receive windfall

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Employees of the state weather bureau will finally receive their share of hazard and longevity pay in the next few weeks, according to an official of the Department of Science and Technology.

In an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM, DOST Assistant Secretary for Finance Oswaldo Santos said the benefits for Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration employees will be released anytime in August.

“Yung pondo po nakahanda na sa Department of Budget and Management. Naka-set na lahat. Iyong certification na lang para malaman kung sino sa mga empleyado ng Pagasa ang nagtatrabaho sa mapanganib na lugar para mabigyan natin ng pansin (The funds are already with the Department of Budget and Management. Everything is in order. We are only waiting for the certifications to see who among the employees of Pagasa are working in dangerous areas so they may be given attention.),” Oswaldo said.

Oswaldo said Pagasa is already working on the selection process and is expected to release their report in a week.

He also clarified that although not all employees are working in the field or in dangerous areas, he expects everyone to receive their hazard pay, possibly in varying degrees.

“Kahit papano halos lahat naman ng empleyado ng Pagasa ay nagtatrabaho sa mga mapanganib na pagkakataon, especially pag may bagyo. (All Pagasa employees work during dangerous times, especially if there’s a storm),” the DOST official said.

Under Republic Act 8439 or the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other S & T Personnel in the Government, Pagasa employees are entitled to a hazard allowance ranging from ten (10%) to thirty (30%) percent of their monthly basic salary depending on the nature and extent of the hazard involved.

Among the considered hazardous workplaces are: radiation-exposed laboratories and service workshops; remote/depressed areas; areas declared under a state of calamity or emergency; strife-torn or embattled areas; and laboratories and other disease-infested areas.

Earlier this month, forecaster Ricky Fabregas left Pagasa to pursue a better-paying job in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He followed Pagasa administrator Nathaniel Servando who left in June to take on a teaching post in the Middle East.

Pagasa has long been plagued by brain drain and complaints of inadequate and uncompetitive compensation and benefits. Last year, Pagasa employees protested against the suspension of their Magna Carta benefits.