COTABATO CITY โ In a heartwarming move just in time for Ramadan, thousands of Muslim and Christian employees under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government will receive a P10,000 bonus each, regional officials announced on Sunday, March 23.
Newly appointed BARMM Chief Minister Abdulrauf Abdul Macacua signed an executive order on March 20, officially directing the release of the financial assistance. The bonus applies to all employees across various ministries and special function agencies, covering not just regular staff but also contractual and job order personnel.
Unexpected Ramadan Gesture
BARMM workers met the announcement with gratitude.ย Many government workers took to social media to express their appreciation, calling the bonus an unexpected yet deeply valued gesture. Thousands of employees work in BARMM offices across Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi,
BARMM Health Minister Dr. Kadil Monera Sinolinding, Jr. and Transportation and Communications Minister Paisalin Pangandaman Tago both shared the excitement of their respective teams.
โOur personnel are grateful for this Ramadan bonus. It will help them prepare for Eidโl Fitr and meet other personal needs,โ Sinolinding said.
Tago echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the positive impact of the initiative. โThey are thankful to our newly-appointed chief minister,โ he said, referring to Macacua, who recently took over from the regionโs first Chief Minister, Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, following a designation signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier this month.
Fitting Ramadan
The timing couldnโt be more fitting. Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual renewal, will conclude within the week. The celebration of Eidโl Fitr, marking the end of the fasting period, holds deep significance for the Muslim community.
The Darul Iftah, a council of esteemed Muslim scholars who will confirm the sighting of the moon, has to determine the official date, signaling the start of the new lunar month.
For BARMM employees, this generous act of support not only alleviates financial burdens but also strengthens the sense of community and unity during this holy season.
