The local government of Basud, Camarines Norte is allowing its single employees anew to take a leave of absence on February 14, 2024, Valentine’s Day. 

This is the sixth year the LGU has granted the consideration. 

Mayor Adrian Davoco said it is important to support regular employees who remain single while being effective in their duties.

"Ang pinakagusto nating mangyari is masupport ang ating mga empleyado sa ating munisipyo para nang sa ganoon ay hindi naman mapag-iwanan yung kanilang buhay, syempre kung palagi silang nasa trabaho ay naging ganto na ang buhay nila ay kumbaga nawawala na yung para sa sarili nila," he said.

Those who will choose to work on Valentine’s Day can have their leave credit monetized.

Davoco said the initiative goes beyond mere trends or conforming to popular culture.Drawing from personal experience, he acknowledges the positive impact of having a partner and a healthy relationship. 

Now that he has a happy family, Davoco says he understands the difference it makes when someone has a pillar of support, understanding, and love, which impacts his or her performance at work positively. 

"Palagi natin isipin na syempre sa buhay napakaganda [at] napakasarap kapag meron po tayong kasama na palagi nating malalapitan at mapagkwekwentuhan at syempre laging na-andyan po yung ating kaibigan kapag sa [oras] po nating pangangailangan," Davoco added.

While employees are encouraged to take advantage of the special leave, they are advised to ensure they have completed all their tasks to avoid disruption of services.

Davoco has a message to those still searching for their special someone: Enjoy the courting period, don’t give up easily, and don’t complicate the process.

"Sa lahat po ng ating mga kababayan na single, i-enjoy po ninyo yung courting period na meron po kayo ngayon at wag po kayong susuko kung may nililigawan kayo, at kung may nagliligaw naman sa inyo, wag mo naman masyado pahirapan," he said.