Sagay city: Sagay City in Negros Occidental has appointed 10 job order (JO) workers to regular positions after serving the city government for at least 20 years. In a statement on Monday, Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said the city aims to help long-time JO workers achieve regularization before their retirement.

According to Philippines News Agency, the mayor explained that this initiative is a flagship program designed to provide permanent status and complete benefits to workers approaching retirement age. The city, along with its Human Resource Management Office and Finance Committee, has been actively seeking ways to assist these workers, recognizing the opportunity they deserve.

The 10 regular employees, aged 62 to 65, took their oaths before Cueva at the City Mayor's Office on Monday. They are assigned to the General Services Office, Economic Enterprise Management Office, and City Environment and Natural Resources Office. As regular employees, they are entitled to receive complete benefits, including the mid-year bonus, clothing, and medical allowances.

Cueva shared that the new regular employees expressed their love for Sagay City, which motivated them to remain as JO workers. He emphasized that this dedication should inspire younger employees in government service. The mayor also stated that the city government is continuously working to strengthen support for its workforce.

He mentioned that if the budget allows, the program could be extended to benefit another set of deserving JO employees in the future. Cueva acknowledged that while this initiative may not solve all of the city's employment challenges, it represents a significant step toward better supporting and caring for employees.