Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Monday announced the release of ₱648.84 million in cash assistance, benefits, and incentives for students, city employees, health workers, and contract personnel during the flag-raising ceremony at Manila City Hall.

Moreno credited the city’s taxpayers for funding the programs. “Itong ₱648 million saan galing? Sa mga nagbabayad ng buwis,” he said, urging city workers to treat taxpayers with respect.

Of the total amount, ₱302.18 million will go to permanent city employees, including incentives and retroactive salary adjustments under the Salary Standardization Law. Eligible personnel will receive a ₱7,000 medical allowance, ₱5,000 productivity incentive, and ₱10,000 service recognition incentive from December 15 to 23.

Job order and contract of service workers will receive ₱66 million in gratuity pay, or ₱7,000 each. Health workers will also get ₱128.13 million in PhilHealth professional shares, plus an additional ₱100 million in previously undistributed collections.

For students, the city will release ₱46.03 million to more than 18,000 PLM and Universidad de Manila students, and ₱6.5 million for EARIST scholars. “Paldo ang mga Batang Maynila,” Moreno said.