LUCENA CITY – Personnel of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in Quezon province can look forward to receiving compensation for their hard work that puts their lives at stake whenever calamities strike.
This, after members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved during their regular session on Monday the proposal of Councilor Vinette Alcala-Naca to give a PHP2,500 monthly hazard pay to all the personnel of PDRRMO-Quezon.
“It’s about time the sacrifices of the Disaster Team should be compensated because they selflessly put their lives on the line every time they respond to people’s emergency in times of calamity,” Naca said.
She said the PDRRMO has 38 employees, including its Incident Commander, Dr. Melchor Avenilla.
Avenilla, in an interview, expressed gratitude to Naca and to Governor Angelina Tan for the recognition of his staff’s efforts.
“We submitted a request to Governor Tan in January and she agreed, cognizant of the risks to our lives every time we go on duty, especially during calamity. Recognizing our efforts means a lot to me and my staff. The hazard pay is a very much welcome incentive,” he said.
Avenilla noted it is the first time that they will be receiving such an additional benefit. "It’s a big help to us. My staff and I work beyond office hours and without overtime pay, particularly when disaster strikes, like typhoons and other accidents,” he said. (PNA)
