Region 2 gov’t employees thank PGMA for salary increase

Tuguegarao City (24 September) – Some employees of the different government agencies have expressed their gratitude to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and other officials for the implementation of the Salary Standardization Law III that gives an increase in salary of government workers.

Asst. Regional Director Alice R. Trinidad of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region 2, said many employees of the national government agencies were very happy for receiving the salary increase effective July of 2009.

She mentioned that in the first tranche of implementation, the increase in salary of all government employees in the national government agencies were already given.

Trinidad explained that the application of salary increase among employees of local government units is non-automatic. This means that classifications will depend on income, class and financial capability of the area concerned and the law will be implemented January, 2010.

Meanwhile, Ms. Teresa Campos, a government media, said “though there are many criticisms about the salary increase; the government did something significant to uplift the living conditions of its workers despite the worldwide economic slowdown. And for that, I salute all those who contributed and did their best to pass the law.”

Atty. Marites Lappay, CSC-Provincial Director, said the NGA employees like her are every thankful for the salary increase, which help them in coping up with the needs of their family everyday.

She mentioned that there are employees’ associations also whom she talked with and they appreciate the implementation of the law except for those who are in the Local Government Units.

Lappay also explained that the law specified that employees with high salary will also receive high increases but for those who receive lower salary will also receive minimal increases, however, it is still a blessing on their part considering employees have been waiting for the salary adjustments which was granted. (Oliver B/PIA 2)