Bacolod: Four job order (JO) workers were granted regular positions this month after serving more than three decades with the city government. They are among eight JO personnel who have been regularized since November, as shown by data from the Human Resources Management Services Office released on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ronnie Cordova, 57, who has dedicated 34 years at the City Engineer's Office (CEO) - Special Services Division, learned of his new employment status during a meeting with Mayor Greg Gasataya on Tuesday. Initially unaware of the purpose of the meeting, Cordova was pleasantly surprised when informed of his new status as a regular employee.
Cordova, who previously earned PHP10,560 monthly as a JO worker, has now been appointed to the position of Plumber II, which offers a significantly higher compensation. 'After such a long time, we have finally been regularized. I am deeply grateful to the mayor. The Christmas of 2025 is something I will never forget,' he expressed. Cordova is part of the CEO plumbing team responsible for replacing and repairing artesian wells in various barangays.
In a statement, Mayor Gasataya emphasized that his administration prioritizes long-serving JO workers whenever plantilla positions become available, aiming to uphold dignity in public service and acknowledge their contributions. 'They have been of service to Bacolod for a long time. Their regularization is a recognition of decades of quiet dedication across different administrations,' he noted.
In the first week of December, three additional JO employees from the CEO - Highway Maintenance Division were appointed to regular positions. This unit is primarily responsible for clearing and maintaining the city's creeks and waterways. The newly regularized employees include Ritchie Opao, 63, who has worked with the city government for 43 years; Vicente Candar, 54, a JO worker for 35 years; and Cesar Zuniega, 55, with 32 years of service. Opao has been appointed as Administrative Aide I, while Candar and Zuniega have both been appointed as Construction and Maintenance Man.
Mayor Gasataya acknowledged the challenging nature of their work and stated, 'Their work is not easy. They deserve every benefit that we can give for their decades of service as JO workers of the city.' Regular employees are eligible to receive all benefits and privileges extended by the city government to its permanent personnel.
