Christmas will come early for about 8,700 workers of the city government of Manila as they will receive their year-end bonus on November 18.

Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan made the announcement during the lighting of the 50-foot Christmas tree at the Kartilya ng Katipunan grounds in Arroceros, Manila, near the City Hall, where she was joined by Vice Mayor Yul Servo and other local government officials.

“Payout is on Friday (November 18),” the mayor announced, which was greeted with applause from City Hall employees who attended the ceremony.

The year-end bonus is equivalent to a one-month basic salary and a cash gift of PHP5,000.

Lacuna-Pangan, meanwhile, announced that all residents will get Christmas gift boxes.

“We will be distributing the Christmas boxes on December 1 for all Manila residents for your holiday feasts,” she added.

The giant Christmas tree is decked with Christmas balls, accented with LED lights, and topped with a big star.

The mayor urged residents to celebrate a meaningful holiday season with their families and thank God for all the blessings.

The simultaneous lighting of other Christmas trees was conducted at the Bulwagang Rodriguez and Rizal Park.

Christmas lanterns made from recycled materials and other decorations along the stretch of Taft Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Quezon Boulevard, P. Burgos Drive, and Lawton were also lit.

The facades of the National Museum of Fine Arts Building, Manila Central Post Office, and Tutuban Center were also lit up. (PNA)