TACLOBAN CITY – Employees at the Leyte provincial government received extra bonuses ranging from P8,000 to P25,000, depending on their employment status.

Board Member Carlo Loreto (5th district) said that the province has a saving worth P66 million that was used in giving the extra bonus to the more than 4,000 employees of the provincial government.

Regular employees received P25,000 while the casual and job order workers received P8,000.

Loreto explained that giving the bonus in cash is a way of the provincial government to help the employees enjoy the incentives that they receive for this Christmas and New Year.
Aside from the extra bonus, the provincial government employees also received the service recognition incentives (SRI) worth P20,000 after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., approved the Administrative Order No. 12 in recognition the all government employees contributions to meet the government objectives and targets.

Meanwhile, in Palo town, Mayor Remedios Petilla announced that employees of the municipal government would also receive a total of P55,000 this Christmas.
The amount covers for the collective negotiation agreement (CNA) incentive worth P30,000, SRI worth P20, 000 and performance enhancement incentive worth P5,000. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Season of giving

TACLOBAN CITY – As December is a yuletide season and a season of giving, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte Second District Engineering Office (L2DEO) conducted gift-giving in its new office at Poblacion District I, MacArthur, Leyte.
Anchored with “Handog Pamasko sa Pedicab and MCTODA Drivers,” a total of 110 grocery items and raincoats were distributed to the drivers last December 13, 2023.

According to District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura, the annual gift-giving program is not just about handing out presents but an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the spirit of giving.

“This will be our first Christmas season in MacArthur, Leyte, and an opportunity to have a positive connection with the community by doing something special for the residents of MacArthur,” Oppura said.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Brandon Bacho, a pedicab driver, said that they are happy to receive gifts from the agency.

“Makalilipay hin duro kay talagsa la kami matagan hin sugad na grasya sanglitmadamo nga salamat haiyo DPWH hini nga iyo guin-pa ambit haam,” he said.

Leyte 2nd DEO conducts annual gift-giving during the Christmas season to express love and share blessings.

This little act of kindness can bring a hundred joys to those in need.
(LIZBETH ANN A ABELLA)

In Eastern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY – The local government unit of Arteche in Eastern Samar continues the tradition of bringing joy this Yuletide season through the Christmas symbol and décor displayed competition in front of San Ramon Parish Church.

The local government said that there was a hesitation not to push through with the Christmas décor contest this year due to the recent flooding that affected several barangays of the municipality.

But with the help of donations from various agencies and organizations, the LGU said that they were able to immediately provide assistance to all flood-affected residents.
“In the wake of recent challenges faced by our community due to the unfortunate floods, we believe it is more crucial than ever to foster a sense of hope, resilience, and unity,” the LGU said.

This year’s competition highlights the rich culinary heritage of the town incorporating the culture and tradition during the festive season.

Seven entries from local government agencies and organizations displayed their entries, displaying their creative interpretation of various Christmas decorations like the nativity scene made from farmer’s hat and coconut shells.

There is also a Santa Claus figure riding his sleigh pulled by a carabao instead of a reindeer carrying tuba (local wine), fishes, and seaweeds.

The Christmas decoration contest is judged based on following the theme reflecting the rich culture and traditions of Arteche.

Also highlighting the Christmas competition in Arteche is the Karan-on Bazaar 2023.
Among the popular Arteche karan-on on display are ‘payayang iska’, moron, ‘puto bugas’, cassava flan, ‘hulog-hulog’, and ‘gudhoya’, among others.

Winners for the Christmas décor contest will receive P100, 000 for 1st prize, P75,000 for the 2nd prize, P55, 000 for the 3rd prize, P40, 000 for the 4th prize, P30, 000 for the 5th prize and P20, 000 consolation prizes.

Best Karan-on winners will receive P8, 000, P6, 000, and P4, 000 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize respectively, and a consolation of P2, 000 for non-winners.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)