The Silliman University Staff Association (SUSA) and the Silliman University (SU) Administration formally signed their new three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on October 29, 2026, at the Silliman Assembly Hall, securing salary increases and additional benefits for the University’s staff employees.
The agreement provides for a total salary increase of 12% over three years, exceeding SUSA’s initial proposal of a minimum 10% increase. The increases will be implemented at 2% in the first year, 4% in the second year, and 6% in the third year.
Other key provisions include an increase in rice allowance from ₱22,606 to ₱23,606 in the first year, ₱24,806 in the second year, and ₱26,306 in the third year; a new annual clothing allowance of ₱2,000; and a ₱10,000 signing bonus, following the Administration’s decision to increase the originally proposed ₱8,000 by an additional ₱2,000.
SUSA President VcPierre Calunsag expressed gratitude to the Administration for its willingness to provide benefits beyond the Association’s original proposal. He also thanked the SUSA officers and acknowledged the role of faith and prayer throughout the negotiations.
“I would like to thank the SUSA officers for praying with me and to the Administration for giving us even more than what we asked for,” Calunsag said.
Atty. Eduisa Rositte C. Diocos, SU Chief Finance Officer, said the negotiations were guided by the principles of affordability, sustainability, and transparency. She emphasized that both parties adopted a data-driven approach grounded in mutual respect and collaboration.
Diocos also recognized the contributions of the University’s staff to its daily operations and institutional mission.
“Your hard work, dedication, and faithful service help sustain the daily operations and have fulfilled our mission,” she said.
She noted that the negotiations were concluded after 10 sessions, reflecting the willingness of both parties to work toward an agreement.
Meanwhile, Atty. Richard Catacutan, chair of the Administration’s negotiating panel, commended SUSA for its constructive approach to the negotiations despite differences on several issues.
“We appreciate the resilience of the union in fighting for the benefits of its members and the bargaining unit as a whole,” Catacutan said.
He particularly acknowledged the Association’s openness to the Administration’s counterproposals and its willingness to explore mutually beneficial solutions.
“SUSA has proven once again that it is a partner of the Administration in looking after the best interests of our beloved Silliman University,” he added.
The agreement was signed by SUSA officers led by Calunsag, together with Alvin Corda, Godswill Cariño, Lynn Santillan, Rue Ismil, Azil Aplaon, Frances Mariscal, and Jade Ragay.
Representing the Administration were Catacutan, Engr. Debonaire Mamhot, and Myrene Crispo.
The implementation of the agreement will proceed following its scheduled ratification on November 11, 2026.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Lourdes Angela F. Piñero, chief of the Office of Organizational Development and Human Resource Management (OD-HRM), emphasized the importance of dialogue in addressing differences and working toward the University’s sustainability and institutional goals.
“Padayon ta para sa atong pinalanggang Silliman!” she said, encouraging both parties to continue working together for the University.