Capitol reorg stirs debate;
Herrera assures workers
By: KIT BAGAIPO

HERRERA

A proposal to reorganize some 1,200 personnel of the provincial government has ignited debates among Capitol officials and employees. If the reengineering program pushes through, some 500 regular employees may end up jobless. As recommended by consultants of the provincial government's Human Resource Development Office (HRMDO), the reengineering will require all Capitol employees to tender their resignations and pave way for a structural shake-up.

Casual workers will be the first "casualties", according to the consultants. Regular employees will be asked to re-apply through a personnel selection committee.
Regular workers who do not have the qualification of a particular position could be terminated.

'A EUPHEMISM'

Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) secretary Bonifacio Quirog Jr., one of the oppositors to the proposal, told the Chronicle that the term reengineering is "just a euphemism" of the true intent of the consultants and the HRMDO which is "a total reorganization".

According to Quirog, from the start of the consultants' study, many Capitol employees and officials, including Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera, were made to understand that nobody will be terminated.

They were assured that the proposed reengineering is just a streamlining of personnel where each employee is given a position that fits with his qualifications.

'FOR BETTER SERVICE'

Defending the reengineering proposal, Provincial Government Media Affairs (PGMA) head Antonieto Pernia said that the mandate of the government is to provide better service and not employment.

In government service, Pernia argued, promotion should be based on expertise and skills of the worker.

"Saying that the [proposed] reengineering is a euphemism is politicizing a reorganization for better service," he said.

"If [the provincial government] became an employment agency, it is because people are politicizing government service," Pernia stressed, saying that what we get out of this situation is "lousy service".

Pernia explained that during a talk with the consultants, he was assured that current regular employees will be given the chance to be rehired since they will have "preferential rights" over new applicants.

He said that employees will be given two years to get all the necessary qualifications for them to be assigned in a particular position.

"Positions that will be temporarily vacant will not be filled in until such time the regular employee has complied with the requirements of the position in two years," Pernia clarified.

While giving a chance for better service, Pernia said, the basic concern of security for regular employees is also addressed in the planned reorganization.

'CAPITOL WORKERS NEED NOT FEAR'

Vice Gov. Herrera for his part said that Capitol workers need not fear the proposed reengineering program of the provincial government.

"There is no cause for concern at this point," Herrera declared.

A former labor official, the vice-governor said the proposed program will still be treated by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) when it is calendared for deliberation.

Herrera pointed out that the program will still be subject to deliberation at the legislative body.

The vice-governor said that all the fears and concerns of the employees will be tackled during the deliberation.

"We will listen to them and we will consider all their fears and apprehensions," he added.

Herrera said that he will see to it that the rights of the workers will be considered and protected.

The vice-governor said he won't allow the unnecessary separation of a worker.

"We cannot just terminate employees without due cause. We will have to consider that they are bread-winners whose families will be adversely affected," he added.