29 employees from downgraded Capitol departments want to reapply

CEBU, Philippines — At least 29 employees from the downgraded Capitol departments have shown interest in applying for positions available in the new divisions.

Last August 30, the Cebu Provincial Board passed an ordinance downgrading the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Provincial Tourism Office (PTO), Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office (CPADAO) and the Cebu Provincial Investment and Promotions Office as mere divisions under the Office of the Governor.

All positions for the PTO have already been filled in.

Lawyer Rory Sepulveda, Cebu Provincial legal consultant, said only 24 slots for the three remaining divisions are available. This includes slots for division heads.

Sepulveda said five former staff decided to quit while 23 manifested their interest in the available positions and six have sought for reservations.

The actual downgrading of the four departments will take effect on November 18. But the Province of Cebu announced that retained employees will be keeping their previous salaries.

Out of the three department heads, two have opted to separate while one manifested the intention to be retained.

Despite this, the approval will ultimately be up to the discretion of Governor Gwen Garcia. So far, Garcia said that she has already eyed a division head for the PDRRMO. (FREEMAN)