By Xander Ledesma
Starting in 2025, village officials in Cebu City will receive a retirement gratuity, marking a new initiative by the local government to recognize the service and contributions of barangay leaders. Mayor Alvin Garcia announced the rollout on Friday, underscoring the city’s commitment to support barangay officials as they transition from public service.
Under the newly passed ordinance, barangay officials who retire after years of service will be eligible for a gratuity pay. Barangay captains will receive PHP 5, 000 per year of service, while councilors will get PhP 3, 000 per year of service. Mayor Garcia, who authored the ordinance, emphasized that the program reflects Cebu City’s appreciation for the work of village leaders who play a crucial role in local governance across the city’s 80 barangays.
The ordinance is seen as a significant milestone in recognizing the efforts of barangay leaders in Cebu City, especially given that village officials often act as the frontline responders to community issues, from health and safety to disaster response and community welfare. Local governments in the Philippines have, in recent years, been advocating for enhanced benefits for barangay officials, who usually operate with limited resources but are responsible for the welfare of the communities they serve.
In addition to the retirement pay, Garcia announced that the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) will receive an increase in financial assistance next year. Each of Cebu City’s 80 youth councils received PHP1 million in funding this year, which Garcia plans to raise to PHP2 million in 2025. This funding supports SK initiatives aimed at youth development, education, and community engagement.
Moreover, barangay employees who work on an honorarium basis are also set to receive Christmas bonuses this December, an initiative supported by Supplemental Budget No. 3, which Garcia introduced at the city council. This bonus aims to provide additional support to barangay workers who are compensated per task rather than on a fixed salary, recognizing their contributions to daily community operations.
These initiatives align with broader efforts in the Philippines to enhance the welfare of barangay officials and personnel, who are considered vital to local governance and the decentralized model of government in the country. By supporting these officials financially, Cebu City aims to strengthen the barangay system and empower local leaders to better serve their communities.