By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz confirmed yesterday that they have not renewed the contracts of 212 job order (JO) and contract of service (CoS) employees this year.

Based on records from the provincial government, 97 JOs, 92 CoS and 23 casual employees’ contracts were not renewed.

Failing recent mandatory drug tests, and not performing well were the reasons for the contract non-renewal.

Diaz said the provincial government is hiring new employees for more than 200 vacant positions.

He noted that there are a lot of qualified candidates to fill the vacancies.

He further added that the Economic Enterprise Development Department has the highest number of vacancies for the full operation of the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary, Negros Residences, and the Negros Occidental Food Terminal this year./DGB, WDJ