Department heads asked to slash number of JOs, maximize regular workers

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon appealed to the department heads to lower the number of job order workers (JOs) assigned at their respective offices, if necessary, and to maximize the regular or casual employees.

Dizon said this should be reduced so other programs could be given bigger allocations such as the programs on free medicines, livelihood, burial assistance, among others.

The councilor emphasized that since the city is still fighting the pandemic, it is important to utilize the funds on the more important matters such as social services.

“Usahay man gud tungod na sa kadaghan og tawo, ang uban wala nay buhaton (Sometimes, because there are too many people hired, some end up not having anything to do),” Dizon said.

According to Dizon, there are 5,000-plus workers at the Cebu City Hall. Thus, he is hoping that the employees will faithfully comply with their responsibilities.

He doesn’t know though how many of such number are job orders.

 “Daghan pa man ta og importanteng butang ang angayan nga gastohan. Maluoy sad ta sa ubang JOs kay ma-delay intawn ang ilang mga suweldo, maabtan pa og tulo ka buwan sa dili pa nila madawat,” Dizon said.

(We still have other important things to spend on. Also, we take pity with some JOs whose salaries get delayed. Some of them even have to wait for up to three months before finally receiving their pay.)

Dizon also revealed that he has witnessed the undesirable behavior of some employees in the City Hall.

Nevertheless, he praised those who are sincere with and dedicated to their work.

“Dili ra man tingale nga ako ray nakakita niana. Kanang ubang empleyado kay wala ray gibuhat. Hinuon dili tanan ha, naa puy mga empleyado nga nagtinarong sad sa ilang trabaho,” said Dizon.

(I think I am not the only one who has seen that. Some employees do nothing. Well, not all. Because others are also committed to their work.) — JMD (FREEMAN)