Davao City Council seeks more benefits, incentives for JO workers

The resolution, authored by Councilor Atty. Diosdado Angelo R. Mahipus Jr., was approved during the Council’s regular session on September 22. TryTime Trackers

Mahipus, during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos Forum at SP Building on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 22 highlighted the important role of JO workers in the daily operations of the city government, particularly those assigned to frontline and field duties who work under challenging conditions such as heat, rain, traffic, dust and other occupational risks.

Under the resolution, the City Human Resource Management Office, together with the Local Finance Committee, City Budget Office, City Legal Office and other concerned offices, is tasked to study the legal, financial and operational requirements for possible additional programs for JO workers.

Among the proposals for evaluation are:

Adjustment of compensation in consideration of increases in the cost of living;

₱1,000 Service Recognition Financial Assistance for every completed year of service, as a possible benchmark;

Emergency medical assistance for work-related injuries;

Free or subsidized transportation between City Hall and the northern and southern districts; and

Educational assistance for qualified children or dependents of JO workers.

Mahipus clarified that the resolution does not immediately grant the proposed benefits or establish their final amounts. Instead, it directs the concerned offices to assess the proposals, including their legal basis, eligibility requirements, funding sources and fiscal implications.

The councilor said the move seeks to ensure that any program eventually adopted would be lawful, properly funded and sustainable.

“Our Job Order workers are part of the human machinery that keeps the City Government working every day. Recognition of their contribution should not end with words of appreciation,” Mahipus said.

Following the approval, the concerned city offices are expected to conduct the necessary study and submit recommendations for consideration by the City Government.