By Nimfa Estrellado General Luna Mayor Matt Erwin Florido (Photo from his FB) GENERAL LUNA, Quezon - In a unique initiative to support e...
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| General Luna Mayor Matt Erwin Florido (Photo from his FB) |
GENERAL LUNA, Quezon - In a unique initiative to support employee well-being, General Luna Mayor Matt Erwin Florido has issued Executive Order No. 09 (Series of 2024). The order grants all single employees of the General Luna municipal government a two-day "Special Stress Leave" on February 15th and 16th, 2024.
The leave initiative recognizes that Valentine's Day can be a source of added stress for some individuals who are not romantically attached. It aims to provide opportunities for self-care and reduce workplace stress-related distractions.
Citing the Local Government Code of 1991 and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Act, the order recognizes the potential for increased stress among single individuals during Valentine's Day. The leave aims to offer a space for self-care and rejuvenation.
Florido states, "This policy demonstrates our commitment to the mental and emotional health of our employees. We understand that Valentine's Day can be challenging for some, and we want to create a supportive work environment."
"I understand the unique challenges single individuals can face," said Mayor Florido. "This policy is about supporting our employees' mental and emotional health."
Those opting for the special leave should submit their requests to the Human Resources Office. Florido has pledged to personally cover the financial obligations of the Special Stress Leave initiative, ensuring no government funds will be used.
To ensure the policy is applied fairly, a Verification Committee will review applications for leave and maintain confidentiality throughout the process.
This is the second time Florido has taken such a proactive step to support the well-being of government employees. The first time he implemented a similar initiative, it received positive feedback and significantly reduced stress levels among the workforce.
On February 14, 2023, Florido announced that government employees who have been single since birth or have not committed to a relationship in the last five years would receive triple pay.
Florido’s post about the announcement of benefits for single government employees has garnered overwhelming support and praise from both employees and the public. Many have expressed their gratitude for Florido's understanding of the unique challenges faced by single individuals in the workforce.
Even at the national level, it made headlines, with various media outlets highlighting the positive impact of Florido's decision on the well-being of government employees.
The announcement has sparked discussions about the importance of recognizing and supporting the diverse needs of individuals in the workplace, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all.
Meanwhile, the Philippines has seen a recent increase in marriage rates. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the percentage of single individuals declined from 43.8% in 2015 to 39.7% in 2020. This trend corresponds with a documented 4% increase in registered marriages between 2019 and 2022.
Despite this rise, a significant portion of the population remains unattached. The 2020 census reported that over 34 million Filipinos are not married. Although the exact demographics of this group vary, PSA data indicates ample opportunity remains for finding partners.
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