Capitol personnel count tops 5,000

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government’s workforce has reached 5,125 employees as of August 2026, with the healthcare sector accounting for the largest share at 3,043 personnel serving in provincial health facilities.

Data from the Provincial Human Resource Management Office showed that job order workers comprise the largest portion of the Capitol workforce, with 3,630 personnel, followed by 846 permanent employees, 391 casual workers, and 235 co-terminus employees.

The workforce also includes two contract-of-service workers and 21 elected officials.

Meanwhile, a total of 431 individuals recently took their oaths following promotions or regularization, according to the HR data.

Of the 431, 104 were appointed to permanent positions, consisting of 57 from the executive offices and 47 from provincial hospitals. Another 13 were casual employees, while 290 were job order workers—28 from the executive offices and 262 from hospitals.

The remaining 24 individuals were not previously employed by the provincial government. Of these, 22 were assigned to executive offices and two to hospitals.

The figures show that healthcare workers comprise a significant portion of the personnel movement, with 291 healthcare employees taking their oath following their promotion or regularization under the current administration.

Healthcare workforce expands

In a post by Capitol's Public Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan, the provincial government said the current healthcare workforce of 3,043 includes 1,679 personnel who were already employed as of June 2025 and 1,364 hired beginning July 2025 under the administration of Governor Pamela Baricuatro.

Based on the figures provided, 44.8 percent of the province’s current healthcare workforce was hired during the current administration.

Among the 1,364 current-term hires are 199 doctors, 368 nurses, 181 allied health workers, and 615 ancillary and administrative support personnel.

Altogether, 748 doctors, nurses, and allied health workers were hired during the current term, while the remaining hires included personnel supporting hospital operations and administrative services.

The provincial government emphasized that hospital services rely not only on doctors and other clinical workers but also on ancillary and administrative personnel who support daily operations.

Staffing tied to services

The expanded workforce is linked to efforts to increase the capacity of the province’s 16 Capitol-run hospitals and make services more accessible to patients.

One cited change is the availability of medical technologists for round-the-clock coverage. From only five, all 16 hospitals now have round-the-clock medical technologist availability.

Cebu Provincial Hospital-Danao has also started piloting extended weekday outpatient hours until 10 p.m.

Meanwhile, Bantayan District Hospital has conducted emergency and laparoscopic surgeries using its own equipment and in-house teams.

Catalan said the developments demonstrate the role of personnel in turning investments in hospital facilities and equipment into actual patient services.

Promotions, Regularization

Among those who moved from officer-in-charge positions to official department head or chief of hospital posts were Provincial General Services Office head Maria Teresa C. Alcos, Provincial Accountant Janet Guaren, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Marirose Lopez, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Ret. Col. Dennis Pastor, and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Sheila Faciol.

Also appointed were Provincial Government Assistant Department Head Ruso Zaragoza, Provincial Health Officer I Dr. Jenina Canoy, Chief of Hospital I Maria Teresa Malazarte, Chief of Hospital I Jennalyn A. Bigno, Chief of Hospital I Don Porferio Ferolin III, and Chief of Hospital II James Nicolas Najaro.

For employees, the provincial government said promotions and regularization provide recognition, greater job security, and opportunities for professional growth.

For hospitals, the administration said the moves are expected to contribute to employee retention, institutional experience, and a more stable workforce.

Hiring, rightsizing, and personnel evaluation remain ongoing across the 16 provincial hospitals, according to the data provided by the provincial government.

Rightsizing involves matching the number and mix of healthcare personnel with the actual workload, services, and patient needs of each hospital.

As posted, hiring, promotion, and regularization are being evaluated based on actual hospital staffing and service requirements, qualifications and eligibility, performance and service record, years of service, available plantilla positions, and Civil Service rules and requirements.

The provincial government is also continuing to seek qualified medical specialists and surgeons, particularly for hospitals being prepared for upgrading and expanded services.

It is likewise pursuing medical scholarships, return-of-service placements, hospital-based training, and partnerships with the Department of Health for physician deployment and professional development. – MRM (CEBU NEWS)