Job order personnel employed by the Lapu-Lapu City Government have started receiving a significant boost in their daily earnings. This follows the recent passage and implementation of a city ordinance that grants them an across-the-board increase in their daily compensation.
Details of the Wage Increase Ordinance
The measure, known as Ordinance 17-035-2025, provides a P60 increase to the daily pay of all job order (JO) workers. Councilor Annabeth Cuizon, who chairs the committee on finance and authored the ordinance, confirmed that the new daily rate is now P528, raised from the previous P468. This adjusted wage will be effective throughout 2026.
The ordinance was formally enacted through Resolution 17-1047-2025 after thorough deliberation by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The City Council members gave their unanimous support, seconding the measure without opposition.
Coverage and Compensation Differential
The wage hike applies to all JO personnel who were hired in the calendar year 2025 and who reported for work during the covered period. A crucial benefit of the ordinance is the provision for back pay.
All eligible JO workers will receive a compensation differential covering the period from January 1 to November 30, 2025. The processing and release of this differential pay officially commenced on December 15.
Rationale and Funding Source
Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” Chan and the City Government initiated this move to improve the overall compensation package for its contractual workforce. In a previous interview, Councilor Cuizon explained that the primary goal of the increase is to assist JO employees in better meeting their household needs and to help cushion the impact of rising prices for basic goods and commodities.
The ordinance specifies that the necessary funds to cover this wage increase will be sourced from the existing accounts from which the compensation of JO personnel is currently charged, ensuring no additional budgetary strain.
This policy underscores the local government's commitment to supporting its workforce amid economic challenges, providing tangible financial relief to hundreds of job order employees serving Lapu-Lapu City.
