A proposed P5,000 one-time cash assistance for barangay-based workers in Cebu City moved forward after the City Council approved it on first reading.
The measure was approved during a special session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Friday, December 12, following a formal motion by Councilor Franklyn Ong.
“I would like to move for the approval of the first reading of the proposed ordinance prescribing the grant of one-time cash assistance to barangay-based workers,” Ong said.
Councilor Dave Tumulak seconded the motion, and the council approved it.
The proposed ordinance, titled “AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING THE GRANT OF ONE-TIME CASH ASSISTANCE TO BARANGAY-BASED WORKERS,” stipulates that up to 87 duly identified barangay workers who receive honoraria or counterparts from the Cebu City Government may each receive P5,000. The release is scheduled not earlier than December 20, 2025.
The coverage applies to barangay-based workers rendering service within Cebu City’s territorial jurisdiction. Eligibility is subject to specific guidelines and certifications from their respective barangays.
The ordinance references constitutional and legal mandates, citing Section 9, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and provisions of the Local Government Code, which emphasize social justice, improved quality of life, and general welfare.
It also highlights economic pressures faced by barangay workers, noting that the Philippine Statistics Authority recorded a 4.4-percent inflation rate in July 2024, the highest since October 2023.
In addition, the ordinance acknowledges the added burden of severe weather disturbances that caused massive flooding in Cebu City, during which barangay workers were mobilized to ensure delivery of essential public services despite risks to their safety.
The measure states that while barangay workers “risked life and limb” performing their duties, their honoraria “may not be sufficient enough to cover the effects and impacts brought by inflation across food, transportation, utilities, and other expenses.”
To qualify for the one-time cash assistance, the ordinance sets the following conditions:
Barangay workers must be in active service as of July 1, 2025, certified by their respective Punong Barangay;
Certification of satisfactory performance in rendering services must be provided;
A copy of the worker’s appointment must be attached for payroll processing.
With first reading approval, the proposed ordinance will now undergo scrutiny by the committees on budget and finance and laws, where funding sources, implementation procedures, and legal provisions will be examined. (LLP)
