Gov. Rafy Leads June Flag Raising, Reminds Employees to Remain R.V.O.D. as CNA Bonus Gets CSC Approval
By: Charissa Marie Go, GPC-HRMU; Geraldine B. Salazar-Lucero, PIO | Photos By: Rizalde Buenaventura, PIO | Date: June 2, 2025
The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and the La Union Provincial Government Employees Organization (LUPGEO) have been officially registered and granted a Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), laying the legal foundation for the granting of a CNA Bonus to qualified employees. The awarding of the CNA certification was held during PGLU’s first Monday Flag Ceremony on June 2, 2025, at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, City of San Fernando, La Union.
The certification was handed over by CSC Region I Assistant Regional Director Cornelia M. Rillera; CSC La Union Provincial Director Romulo V. Nabua; and CSC Human Resource Specialist Rainier G. Repollo. It was formally received by Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David, along with officers of LUPGEO led by President Jocelyn G. Mangibin. PGLU employees witnessed the ceremony.
The CNA serves as a formal agreement that upholds the rights, benefits, and interests of government workers while fostering a healthy and productive work environment. With the CNA in place, qualified PGLU employees are now assured of an annual CNA Bonus supported by clear legal grounds.
Governor Rafy described the CNA as her final gift to PGLU employees before she steps down from office. She also addressed previous concerns over the absence of additional bonuses, particularly during the last Christmas season. The Governor had stood firm on her decision to temporarily defer the issuance of additional incentives without a legal basis, emphasizing her responsibility to avoid audit risks that could force employees to return the funds.
“Don’t remember me as the governor who did not give a bonus, but as the governor who persevered to give a bonus,” she said, stressing that while the process took time, the result is a sustainable and lawful solution that protects the interests of employees and the integrity of public service.
On behalf of the CSC Regional Office 1, Dir. Rillera expressed the agency’s commendation and appreciation to LUPGEO and PGLU for achieving the milestone. She also explained, “…in 2023, we at the CSC Regional Office 1…our attention was called by the Department of Budget and Management about the provisions in the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence or PRAISE of some agencies, which stipulates the grant of financial benefits or incentives to all workers of an agency, ito po yung pagbibigay ng incentives sa mga empleyado regardless of their performance level, using the PRAISE as the basis. That is not in consonance with the general policies, sorry to say that, and objectives of the PRAISE.”
Dir. Rillera then explained the grounds of PRAISE and why the CSC became stricter in the review and approval of agency PRAISE submitted to them. They then strengthened the Public Service Employee Organization for the benefit of employees, to which LUPGEO and PGLU complied.
This milestone reflects PGLU’s continued commitment to uphold employee welfare, recognizing that a motivated and supported workforce leads to better service delivery for the people of La Union. The establishment and accreditation of LUPGEO, and now the formalization of the CNA, are testaments to the province’s vision of inclusive governance and development.
Gov. Rafy also expressed her gratitude to the entire PGLU family for the opportunity to serve through La Union PROBINSYAnihan. She credited the province’s achievements to the collective commitment, resilience, and passion of government employees to uplift the lives of every KaPROBINSYAnihan.
As the PGLU moves forward, Gov. Rafy called on everyone to remain relevant in their purpose, vibrant in their passion, outstanding in their work, and developmental in their vision for a more empowered and thriving La Union.
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