By CESAR JOLITO III

Negros Occidental provincial tourism officer Cheryl Decena has officially returned to government service following a six-month suspension without pay but has been reassigned to a different post instead of resuming her previous role.

Decena reported back to the provincial capitol and was immediately issued a detail order assigning her to the Negros First Ranch in Murcia town, where she is expected to assist in the province’s farm tourism initiatives.

Her suspension stemmed from delays in the remittance of cash advances linked to operations at the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary during her tenure as officer-in-charge.

According to Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II, Decena cannot yet resume her post as Provincial Tourism Officer due to a pending case filed against her before the Office of the Ombudsman.

In the meantime, Raymund Bayot continues to serve as officer-in-charge of the Provincial Tourism Office, with Diaz noting satisfactory performance in the role.

Decena, for her part, said she is willing to serve wherever she is needed and plans to coordinate with Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana and Provincial Agriculturist Dina Genzola before reporting to her new assignment.

“Wherever they need my help, I’m happy for that,” Decena said./CJ, WDJ