SP okay for hazard pay of Bontoc workers pushed

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Sangguniang Bayan members are crossing their fingers that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will give its green light for the Bontoc Local Government Unit to grant hazard pay to its garbage collectors and pipefitters/ plumbers (tubero). 

Sponsored by Sangguniang Bayan member Jerome Tudlong, Jr., the council approved the ordinance granting hazard pay to regular employees of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and Municipal Waterworks. 

In an interview, Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey remarked that the local government has to protect its workers and provide them an equitable compensation.

The mayor pointed out that it is only when garbage collection draws to a halt, and there is a shortage on the supply of water or there is no supply of water due to unforeseen circumstances that the public fully appreciates the cardinal importance of garbage collectors and tuberos.

“Our garbage collectors and tuberos are performing duties and responsibilities that are hazardous to their health and they deserve to be granted with hazard pay allowed under existing rules and regulations,” the mayor added. 

Similarly, the Sangguniang Bayan recognized the contribution of the garbage collectors and the Municipal Waterworks personnel of the risks attached to their invaluable service. 

In the ordinance, it is proposed that a maximum amount of P1, 000 per month shall be granted to all qualified personnel of the MENRO and Municipal Waterworks. 

The ordinance covers only personnel of MENRO and Municipal Waterworks directly engaged in jobs with high risks of exposure to health hazards, and personnel infirmed whose condition was due to the said hazardous works who; however, are functional but reassigned to other duties and tasks. Also, the hazard pay shall be equal or across–the–board to all qualified MENRO and Municipal Waterworks personnel regardless of rank or salary grade. 

               Personnel who are not entitled to hazard pay are those assigned to administrative works in the office; those who are on leave of absence for the five consecutive days of the month; and those who incurred unauthorized leave of absence.

Once approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the fund to implement the ordinance shall be included by the Local Chief Executive in every budget year, in the Annual Appropriation under concerned agencies names. 

As of press time, the ordinance is still again for review by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan after a motion for reconsideration was submitted by the municipal government.