The Davao City Council has given its final approval for a significant financial boost for city hall workers, endorsing a multi-million peso incentive package just before the year ends.
Final Approval for Employee Benefits
On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the 21st Sangguniang Panlungsod passed Supplemental Budget No. 3 on its third and final reading. This budget, totaling a substantial P187,324,000, is specifically earmarked to provide year-end financial benefits to employees of the City Government of Davao.
The allocated amount is drawn from two main sources: the General Fund Proper and the city's Economic Enterprises. The approval process moved swiftly, reflecting the council's unanimous support for the measure.
Breakdown of Incentives
The heart of the supplemental budget lies in its direct benefits to the workforce. From the General Fund Proper, appropriations have been set to grant a maximum Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) of P20,000 for each qualified employee holding a government plantilla position.
Furthermore, the budget also covers Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) personnel. These workers are set to receive a maximum Gratuity Pay of P7,000. This inclusion ensures that a broader range of city government workers receives year-end recognition.
A Legacy of Good Governance
During the deliberations, Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang highlighted the underlying principle of the budget allocation. He framed the approval as a concrete example of good governance in action, a hallmark of the local administration.
In a speech, Dayanghirang, a veteran of the council, connected the current action to a longstanding tradition. "As a living witness here for 30 years since the vice mayorship of Mayor Rody Duterte, whatever is due to you will be given to you by the Duterte administration," he stated. He emphasized that this commitment is supported by all 26 city councilors, showcasing a unified front in public service for the people of Davao.
Source of Funds
The financial backbone for this employee incentive package is robust. The City Accountant and the City Treasurer have certified that the funds will come from the surplus generated from the Calendar Year 2024 operations. This indicates that the bonuses are being funded by the city's own fiscal efficiency and excess revenue, not from new loans or debts.
The timely approval of Supplemental Budget No. 3 ensures that Davao City Government employees can receive their Service Recognition Incentive and Gratuity Pay, providing a financial uplift as the year 2025 concludes and reinforcing the value placed on their service to the community.
