• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod sanggunian is supporting the passage of a bill on the Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) workers, that aims to provide them with more benefits and protection.
Councilors Psyche Marie Sy and Al Victor Espino, who co-authored a resolution that also adopted Resolution 26-A of the Bacolod DRRM Council, noted salient features of the bill pending in the 19th Congress, including organizational standards at the local level, overtime work, hazard and laundry allowances, longevity pay, housing, and personal protective equipment and vaccination, among others.
Under the bill, all public DRRM workers shall also be entitled to a rice subsidy allowance of P1,500 a month.
“There is a need for a legislative measure to protect and uplift these public DRRM workers, who have tirelessly served the people before, during, and after a disaster or emergencies round-the-clock, by recognizing their valuable services, especially when exposed to high-risk environments that will empower and boost their morale, and uphold their dignity,” the resolution stressed. | CGC
