12/22/2009 [ tribune.net.ph ]
Employees of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are in for a better 2010 as the agency will start providing housing benefits to its qualified workers next year.
MMDA Chairman Oscar Inocentes yesterday ordered the fast tracking of the development of the MMDA property in Carmona, Cavite which he envisioned to become the “MMDA Village” exclusively for rank-and-file employees.
Inocentes said he wanted the area developed into a self-contained community complete with vital amenities and facilities.
“Our employees have done so much to the agency so it is only proper to give them something back for their loyalty and hard work,” Inocentes said.
The planned MMDA Village will rise in what used to be part of the 65-hectare Carmona sanitary landfill, which the government shut down in the early 1990s. The agency bought the land and donated 10 hectares to the municipal government.
The 3,000 permanent employees of the MMDA will be the initial beneficiaries of the housing program.
Inocentes said he wanted the area developed phase-by-phase so the beneficiaries could immediately start moving in. The MMDA has set aside an initial P30 million for the development of the property.
Meanwhile, the more than 8,000 workers of MMDA will get the additional Christmas cash gift from President Arroyo on or before Wednesday.
MMDA Chairman Oscar Inocentes announced this during yesterday’s flag raising ceremony at the MMDA grounds in Makati City.
All employees, permanent, casual, and on job order status alike, will each receive the Christmas bonus amounting to P7,000.
“As per the guidelines set by Malacañang, only permanent, casual, and contractual employees are entitled to the cash gift. But in view of the equity, Chairman Inocentes ordered that all employees, including those on job order status, shall be given their fair share,” MMDA general manager Robert Nacianceno said.
This was a welcome news for the more than 50 percent employees of the MMDA who are on job order status.
The new MMDA chief also announced that all employees present during the flag raising ceremony will each receive two movie passes for the Metro Manila Film Festival which will open on Christmas Day. Pat C. Santos and PNA
