To mark Valentine’s Day, single employees at a Philippine city hall will get more pay on Tuesday, the mayor wants to reward them for their overtime. And remind them that “someone loves them.”
People who have been single for more than five years and work for the community of General Luna (southeast) in Quezon province will receive the equivalent of three days’ wages, Mayor Matt Florido told AFP.
Other hearts to be taken from the staff have to settle for double pay or a paid day off.
“I know what you’re going through today, I understand you,” said Mr. Florido, who says he has been single “since birth” and is paying 28,000 pesos ($500) for the surgery out of pocket.
“Nobody gives them chocolates or flowers for Valentine’s Day (…) So we thought of giving them this kind of tip so that they also feel that someone cares about them, that someone loves them.”
This is the third year that Mr. Florido has given a bonus to single people who work for the pineapple growing community.
This money is also a recognition of the constraints on unpartnered employees who may have to work overtime.
“They have fewer responsibilities at home, so we can always count on them when we need to work overtime, when relief efforts are on, or forgo sleep to serve the city,” he said.
Of the municipality’s 289 employees, 37 qualified for the award after undergoing a rigorous vetting process to confirm their status.
Eligible employees were required to answer questions about the date of their last relationship or the reasons for their breakup and continued celibacy.
“We’re a very small town, so everyone knows everyone. We can’t hide anything,” said Mr. Florido.
The bonuses will be distributed on Tuesday evening during a Valentine’s Day party organized for all employees, which will include seduction games.
“Who knows, maybe they’ll get together,” says the mayor. “Maybe they’re already hitting each other.”