The wait is over for 240 city employees after Mayor Neptali Gonzales II recognized their hardwork and dedication in serving the constituents of Mandaluyong by regularizing at least 147 rank and file employees and promoting 93 others.
Gonzales, who promoted and regularized a total of 582 employees since he assumed office in July 2004, said everyone in the city government deserves recognition with the kind of dedication they have shown over the years.
He noted that high-standard services of these employees are contributory to the economic development and stability of Mandaluyong.
"Taxpayers are encouraged to pay their taxes because they receive the best services from the city government through its employees. If taxpayers can feel and see that the government is indeed doing its share for city and nation-building, then they will reciprocate positively by paying their taxes on time and supporting government initiatives. The employees of the city government are at the forefront on all of these," Gonzales said during the regular morning program held at the city gymnasium.
Based on the records of the city’s Human Resource Department (HRD), at least 93 employees were promoted and regularized during the 100 days of Gonzales in 2004.
In 2005, 245 employees were fortunate to be promoted and regularized and 240 City Hall workers are the recipients for this year.
Before Gonzales’ mayoralty stint, at least 3,020 plantilla positions were available, paved by the city structure reorganization as approved by the City Council in 2003. Of the total, 1,866 were filled up and at least 1,602 plantilla positions would be available for funding, according to HRD.
Gonzales further urged employees to take the civil service eligibility examination (CSC) especially casual employees, saying that it will give them protection against the transition of leadership in government.
"Eligibility in public service is very essential for government employees because it ensures security of tenure. It is their protection because once eligible no official can terminate you without due process," he noted.
He added that the city government will pay the P350 examination fee for the test as an incentive for city employees, for those who would seek eligibility. Likewise, employees who were unable to finish high school will be given the opportunity to obtain a secondary diploma after Gonzales revealed that he will ask Mandaluyong public school teachers to conduct an exclusive review class so that they will be ready for the qualifying exam for high school.
Aling Erlinda could not help but be emotional while expressing her gratitude to the mayor.
"Malaking bagay ito para sa akin dahil parang umangat ang pagkatao ko. Ang tagal kong naghintay para ma-regular, hindi biro ang 34 taon. Galak na galak ako at maraming maraming salamat, mayor," she said.
Aling Erlinda, who has been promoted from Utility Worker 1 to Administrative Aide 3, will be given a salary grade of three.