Govt heeds PAGASA personnel's plight, releases rules on perks

It's the sun finally shining on PAGASA personnel.

This was after the government released the guidelines on the granting of benefits for state weather forecasters and other Science & Technology personnel.

Based on Republic Act No. 8439 or the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other S&T Personnel, the beneficiaries will enjoy the following benefits:

• an honorarium for special projects,
• a share in royalties,
• longevity pay,
• hazard, subsistence, laundry and housing and quarter allowances.

Based on the guidelines, PAGASA personnel are set to receive their hazard, subsistence and longevity pay on a regular basis starting next year.

Such benefits were given on a limited basis in the past, said PAGASA's Ramon Agustin, who heads the Philippine Weathermen Employees Association.

"At least regular na ang mga ito, and the personnel will not think of leaving," Agustin told GMA News Online, referring to the “brain drain” that has plagued the agency, with its head, Nathaniel Servando, resigning recently for greener pastures.

With the plan to make benefits regular, Agustin said a budget will then be allotted for the provision of these compensation. In the past, the benefits were sourced from the savings of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Circular

According to the circular, the hazard pay is calculated as 15 to 30 percent of monthly salary for those exposed to high risk, while about 10 to 15 percent for those exposed to low risk.

"Hazard allowance is an additional compensation for performing hazardous duties and for enduring physical hardships in the course of the performance of duties," said the circular, which was published on broadsheets last Friday.

Subsistence allowance for S&T personnel who are required to render services at any time amounts to P150 for a whole day (eight hours) of service and P75 for a half-day (four hours), according to the circular.

S&T personnel may also avail of free living quarters in the government facility with basic telephone, electricity and water. In case of absence of living quarters, an allowance pegged at the rental rate in the locality may also be given.

The circular also provides for a a longevity pay amounting to five percent of monthly basic salary for every five years of service. Upon retirement of the personnel, his or her salary grade will be increased a notch higher while his retirement benefits will be pegged on the highest salary received.

Laundry allowance, meanwhile, is pegged at P500 per month for those who have rendered service for all the work days of the month.

Honorarium for special projects that require going beyond the required workload is based on the productivity, the quality of the output, and the timetable, the circular said.

Also, the circular provides for honoraria for those who served as lecturers, resource persons, coordinators and facilitators in seminars and training programs, as well as those who has rendered consultancy services to the private sector.

The circular was prepared jointly by the DOST and the Department of Budget and Management. — KBK, GMA News