BACOLOD CITY – The city government has hired at least 1,900 job order (JO) casual employees.

Mayor Greg Gasataya said that appointments will be issued in a month, as their names have been endorsed to different government offices. 

“What is important is their names are already there and submitted to the departments. There’s already an assurance for them,” he added.

Gasataya said tha the city hires about 3,600 to 4,000 JO workers.

“As of this time, the initially hired JOs are part of the skeletal work force as we are still looking for the available funds to be utilized for the JOs,” he added.

Gasataya said that hiring is conducted on a monthly basis depending on the availability of funds.

He said that there were those who do extra work to fill in the vacancies. Gasataya stressed that they are trying their best to finish the assessment within a week to ensure enough personnel in all departments. 

He said that there are departments that need fewer workers. Thus, they are assessing the number of workers to be deployed. 

Gasataya said that all department heads were issued a memorandum not to allow anybody as volunteers unless there is a letter coming from the city administrator endorsing them to work.

He noted that they are continuing the policy of former Mayor Albee Benitez regarding the issue of ghost employees.

“If you’re employed by the city, you must actually report for work — you can’t just wait around and then expect to be paid at the end of the month,” Gasataya said.

He emphasized their stringent measure in screening JO employees.

“Our funds are not limitless. We cannot just hire anyone without proper process. We will only hire based on the funds that are available,” he said.

He said that drug test is not mandatory but highly encourages.

During Gasataya’s first day in office, he led a drug test to set an example of a drug-free workplace. So far, nobody tested positive.