Qualified government employees will receive an early Christmas gift of PhP5,000 following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s approval of the Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) for Fiscal Year 2025 as recognition for their dedicated service, professionalism, and vital role in public service, Malacañang said on Friday.

“Maagang Pamasko po sa mga kawani ng pamahalaan. Bilang pagkilala at pagpapahalaga sa mahusay na paglilingkod sa bayan, propesyonalismo at sa mahalagang papel na ginagampanan ng mga kawani ng gobyerno, inaprubahan ni Pangulong Marcos ang patuloy na pagbibigay ng PEI para sa mga kawani ng pamahalaan,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

Castro said a Department of Budget and Management (DBM) circular confirmed the continued grant of the PEI as recognition of government workers’ commitment to public service and professionalism.

“Ayon kay DBM Acting Secretary Rolly Toledo, makakatanggap ng PhP5,000 ang bawat kuwalipikadong kawani ng pamahalaan,” Castro said.

The PEI covers civilian personnel in national government agencies, state universities and colleges, and government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) under the DBM. Also eligible are qualified employees of local government units, local water districts, and military and uniformed personnel.

In approving the incentive, President Marcos underscored the importance of recognizing the sacrifices of government workers in delivering public service, stressing that their welfare remains a key pillar of his administration’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda.

“Ang nasabing hakbang ng Pangulo ay pagpapakita lamang ng tuluy-tuloy na suporta ng Marcos administration sa pagpapataas ng productivity at morale ng government employees,” Castro said.

“Naniniwala si Pangulong Marcos Jr. na nararapat lang na bigyan ng importansiya ang mga kawani ng pamahalaan na walang-sawang naglilingkod at nagiging katuwang para maihatid ang pangangailangan ng taumbayan. Dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, mahalaga ang kapakanan ng mga lingkod-bayan,” Castro added. | PND