92 Capitol workers get permanent status

The Cebu provincial government has promoted 92 individuals to permanent positions in the first quarter of this year.

In a Capitol press release, 64 reportedly took their oath before Gov. Hilario Davide III last March 21, while 28 pledged to fulfill their duties last Feb. 22.

“We need to have a sustainable intervention and it is only applicable if there are ‘sustainable’ people,” Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Baltazar Tribunalo Jr., one of those appointed to a permanent position, told reporters.

Tribunalo joined the provincial government as a coterminus employee of Governor Davide.

Other coterminus employees include Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera and Provincial Administrator Mark Tolentino, among others.

The Cebu provincial government has around 1,500 casual and regular employees.

Since 2013, a total of 257 employees have been promoted to permanent positions.

Bonifer Nacorda, head of the provincial human resources department, said there have been openings for permanent positions  since December last year or even before the start of the election period.

Also promoted earlier this year were prison guards, security guards, administrative aides, doctors, engineers and social workers.

Nacorda said that promotions are based on the required “very satisfactory” rating for one assessment period.

“Unlike private companies which have employees go through a six-month probationary period, what we do here is open positions for permanent or organic employment, publish it, then start a screening process,” Nacorda said.

He said the Provincial Personnel Selection Board (PPSB), which is made up of heads from the different Capitol offices such as HR, administrator’s office, and even the provincial board, recommend employees to the governor for approval.

Nacorda said the process usually runs for several days.
Nacorda said that permanent employees get to enjoy what is due them, including insurance and retirement benefits.

The election period started last Jan. 10 and will run until June 8. During this period, transferring of any official or employee in the government service is prohibited unless there is prior written authority from the Comelec.

Comelec also disallows heads of government agencies from hiring new workers, promoting employees, or granting salary increases from March 25 to May 8.

March 25 is the start of the campaign period for local candidates.