Negros occidental: Negros Occidental's provincial government has granted its job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers five-day wellness leave credits, as approved by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), for the duration of their contract.
According to Philippines News Agency, the inclusion of JO and COS workers in the internal guidelines on the implementation of the wellness leave is outlined in Executive Order (EO) 26-03, issued by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson. Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II announced on Facebook that the availment form and procedures were finalized in collaboration with Provincial Human Resources and Management Office head Felomina Gozon.
Last month, Diaz highlighted that the governor had signed contracts for the renewal of services for the province's 1,095 JO workers and 1,076 COS employees. The wellness leave is designed to provide personnel with time for rest, recuperation, and activities that enhance well-being, including mental health care, stress management, and physical wellness.
Governor Lacson stated that JO and COS personnel could avail of the wellness leave during their contract period within the calendar year, without affecting existing rules on compensation and attendance. He emphasized the provincial government's commitment to upholding the welfare of its human resources and adopting programs that support a healthy and efficient workforce.
The governor stressed the necessity of adopting uniform internal guidelines to ensure the consistent and effective implementation of wellness leave across all provincial offices, departments, hospitals, and other units, in accordance with CSC rules and regulations.
In December of the previous year, the CSC approved the grant of a maximum of five days wellness leave for eligible government officials and employees, aiming to strengthen workplace strategies aligned with Republic Act 11036, also known as the Mental Health Act. Under Resolution 2501292, the commission, in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Health, identified mental health as a priority area for workplace health promotion interventions.
