Negros occ. LGU revamp: 129 positions abolished, 219 created

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — While about 129 jobs will be abolished, 219 new positions will be created in the provincial government of Negros Occidental once the Capitol revamp will be implemented.

Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the reorganization will become effective immediately after it will be approved by the Provincial Board, adding that it will however be done gradually.

The existing number of jobs in the provincial government is 1,077, but the revamp will increase it to 1,323.

In the Office of the Governor, 41 positions will be abolished, and the rest are as follows: Provincial Engineer's Office (22); Provincial Cooperative Office (18); Provincial Assessor's Office (14); Provincial Veterinary Office and Provincial General Services Office (seven each); Provincial Health Office and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (five each); Provincial Planning and Development Office (three); Provincial Human Resource Management Office, Provincial Accounting Office and Provincial Treasurer's Office (two each); and the Office of the Provincial Administrator (one).

New positions to be created are: Provincial Veterinary Office (89); Office of the Governor (73); Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (38); Provincial Health Office (30); Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (19); Provincial Engineer's Office (17), General Services Office (14); Accounting Office (13); Provincial Environment Management Office, Assessor's Office and Budget Office (nine each); Provincial Legal Office (eight); Office of the Provincial Administrator and Provincial Human Resource Management Office (seven each); Treasurer's Office and Provincial Planning and Development Office (three each).

Lacson clarified that the proposed reorganization is still partial, minus the hospital operations, as he cited the Department of Health (DOH) standards on staffing pattern.

He explained that some positions will be abolished since these were redundant and vacant, but he assured the affected employees that there will be a separation package for them.

"Permanent employees will be given priority in case their position will be abolished. Affected employees can be rehired in other offices if they would qualify, otherwise, they will be terminated," Lacson said, adding that a committee will be created to oversee the implementation of the revamp. — (FREEMAN)