By Jen Baylon

Regular and casual employees of the Negros Occidental provincial government are now covered by the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP).

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson signed Executive Order (EO) No. 24-48, on November 28, which expands the NOCHP, benefiting the more than 3,000 regular and permanent provincial government employees.

Before the signing of the order, the program only covers job order and contract of service employees.

Randy Peacita, president of the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE), said that they had discussions with provincial administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, stating that regular and casual employees should also be included under the NOCHP.

Under the new EO, all Capitol employees will receive a free annual physical examination.

The PACE has earlier requested Lacson for the fast approval of their recommendation through the new EO./JB, WDJ