MSEUF strengthens fair pay, financial well-being programs

On December 13, the Human Resource Department and Treasury Department hosted HeaRt Talk Episode 2: PERA Orientation – Understanding Personal Equity and Retirement Accounts via Zoom. Treasury Director Cleofe Atayde explained PERA benefits, limits, enrollment, account management, and withdrawals, while Vice President for Finance and University Treasurer Carlito Rodriguez shared practical retirement-planning guidance. 134 faculty and staff attended, affirming the value of clear, actionable financial education.

Earlier, on September 4, the University conducted its annual merit pay deliberation for non-teaching personnel (A.Y. 2023–2024) via Zoom. Dr. Benilda Villenas (OIC, Office of the President) led the discussion with Ms. Amalia Delos Reyes (OIC, VP for Administration) and Ms. Sonia Durante (Union Sector). Department heads reviewed performance evaluations in advance to support transparent, criteria-based recognition of staff contributions, as presented by Dr. Maria Sylvia Avila, HRD Director. 

MSEUF pay all staff and faculty at least the local living wage. The University recognize that merit-based rewards must operate on top of a fair wage floor and within a transparent compensation system. The University’s actions, structured performance deliberations and strong financial-literacy programming, support that commitment by ensuring compensation decisions are accountable and by empowering employees to maximize their earnings and benefits. 

What these actions mean in practice

• Transparent pay governance: The merit pay deliberation engaged leadership, HRD, and union representation, using pre-shared evaluations and objective criteria. This practice strengthens fairness and accountability in compensation decisions that complement a living-wage standard.

• Financial capability for all employees: The PERA orientation equipped faculty and staff with tools to grow retirement savings and make informed decisions, an essential complement to a living-wage policy.

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How MSEUF's efforts contribution to SDGs

• Merit pay deliberation (Sept 4): Reinforced fair, objective, and transparent compensation practices, creating governance conditions that support and safeguard a living-wage baseline for all personnel.

• PERA orientation (Dec 13): Built financial literacy and retirement readiness among employees, enhancing the value of wages and supporting long-term financial security alongside a living-wage commitment.

By pairing structured compensation governance with universal financial-wellness education, MSEUF demonstrates concrete, ongoing commitment to SDG 8, ensuring compensation is fair, transparent, and anchored to a living-wage standard for the entire University workforce.