THE leadership of the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) said it is stepping up efforts to improve employee welfare while addressing long-standing concerns over allowances, incentives and career advancement ahead of Labor Day.
In an interview with The Manila Times, Postmaster General Maximo Sta. Maria and PHLPost Chairman Kristjan Vicente Gargantiel said the agency has begun rolling out immediate and long-term measures to support its workforce, from frontline letter carriers to office personnel.
Sta. Maria said employee welfare goes beyond formal programs, stressing the need to recognize the daily efforts of postal workers who ensure mail and parcel delivery nationwide.
“As we mark Labor Day, our commitment is clear: we stand with our employees and will continue to improve their welfare,” he said.
Among the initiatives cited were health seminars on critical illnesses, free medical check-ups, and the institutionalization of sports activities aimed at promoting wellness and team engagement.
Also, the agency is preparing for the rainy season by distributing raincoats and boots to letter carriers, acknowledging the risks faced by “karteros” delivering mail in hazardous weather conditions.
At the same time, area-wide training sessions have been conducted, including a recent program in Northwest Luzon, to enhance customer service and clarify personnel policies such as leave benefits.
PHLPost officials said employees have primarily raised concerns involving gasoline allowances, the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) incentive, and promotions.
On the gasoline allowance, Sta. Maria acknowledged earlier implementation issues but said these have already been resolved.
“We know some of our letter carriers even use their own motorcycles just to complete deliveries. This is not just about an allowance — it is recognition of their daily sacrifice,” he said, adding that the release of the allowance has already been carried out.
On the CNA incentive, management said it supports granting the benefit but noted that government guidelines require certain conditions to be met.
Gargantiel said some requirements have already been complied with, while others remain under evaluation, with ongoing discussions between management and union representatives aimed at reaching a “fair and sustainable solution.”
Addressing concerns over promotions, the officials said appointments are based on qualifications, not personal connections.
They cited the regularization of 83 Contract of Service workers in November last year, which opened up positions and enabled personnel movement across various levels, particularly in operational roles.
However, management acknowledged that perceptions of fairness remain an issue and said it is open to reviewing concerns to ensure transparency.
Sta. Maria admitted that communication gaps within the organization have contributed to persistent concerns.
“There is progress, but if employees do not feel it or are not aware of it, then it is not enough,” he said, noting that efforts are underway to improve the clarity and consistency of internal communications.
The PHLPost leadership said its approach centers on listening to employees and acting on their concerns, emphasizing that improved workforce support would translate to better public service.
“We hear you. We are acting. And we will continue working through these concerns together,” Sta. Maria said in a message to employees.