By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City government has regularized several longtime job order (JO) workers, citing years of dedicated service and consistent performance, in a move that city officials say reflects a broader commitment to dignity and fairness in public employment.
Mayor Greg Gasataya confirmed that the regularization forms part of the city’s policy to prioritize veteran JO workers whenever plantilla positions become available, particularly those who have served across multiple administrations and have demonstrated reliable performance.
Among the newly regularized employees is 57-year-old Ronnie Cordova, who spent 34 years as a JO worker under the City Engineering Office’s Special Services Division.
Cordova has been part of the plumbing team tasked with repairing and replacing artesian well pumps in barangays, responding to requests from residents.
Cordova said the news came unexpectedly while they were on field deployment, describing the regularization as a life-changing moment and a meaningful Christmas gift for his family after decades of contractual work.
Another beneficiary, Andrew Bisquerra of the City Engineering Office’s Public Works Division, said the regular employment status provides long-term security not only for the workers but also for their families, especially after years of uncertainty under JO arrangements.
Gasataya said the city carefully reviews the length of service and work performance of JO workers before granting regular status, emphasizing that the initiative is dependent on the availability of positions.
“This is our way of recognizing those who have quietly served Bacolod for many years. When opportunities open, we make sure they are given priority, provided they meet performance standards,” the mayor said.
Earlier, during a flag-raising ceremony at the Bacolod City Government Center, the city government also announced the regularization of three other longtime workers — Ritchie Opao, with 42 years of service; Vicente Candar, 35 years; and Cesar Zuniega Jr., with 32 years — underscoring what officials described as a continuing effort to honor institutional loyalty and commitment.
City officials said the recent regularizations signal an ongoing policy direction aimed at recognizing the contributions of long-serving JO workers and strengthening morale within the local government workforce./CJ, WDJ