CSC confirms designation of human resource chief

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government now officially has a department head for its Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) after the Civil Service Commission confirmed the appointment of its Officer in Charge (OIC), Henry Tomalabcad.

Tomalabcad was appointed by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama as the new head of the office last May. Prior his new designation, Tomalabcad has been serving as the city's assistant Civil Registrar since 2014.

Acting Mayor Raymond Garcia announced the CSC's confirmation of Tomalabcad's position during the lowering of flag at the City Hall grounds the other day.

“The civil service commission has approved his (Henry Tomalabcad) appointment as department head of HRDO,” announced Garcia, who has been serving as acting Mayor since October 9 until today (Oct.15).

Based on Tomalabcad’s details online, the HRDO is tasked to manage the 8,000 personnel of the Cebu City Government with a wide range of responsibilities including recruitment; training and development; employee relations; performance management; compensation and benefits; employee engagement; and labor relations.

With Tomalabcad’s appointment now being confirmed by the CSC, he is expected to focus deeper on the City’s right-sizing.

Mayor Rama had challenged HRDO to keep the City Government's workforce to only 3,000.

According to data released by the city as of September, the Cebu City Hall has about 1,345 regular employees. Aside from this, there are also about 3,000 job order employees, while another 3,000 are casual workers.

Mayor Rama said he only wants the “cream of the crop” to remain at the City Hall.

However, those who will not be renewed will also be offered skills training and other employment opportunities. — (FREEMAN)