Mandaue City Officials Deliberate Salary Hike for Job Order Workers
In Mandaue City, local government leaders are actively considering a proposal to raise the salaries of job order (JO) workers. This initiative, however, remains under careful review as the City assesses its financial capacity to support such a move amidst increasing operational costs and other budgetary demands.
Proposal Under Discussion for Months
Mandaue City Councilor Joel Seno, who chairs the Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Finance, revealed that the plan to increase JO worker salaries has been in discussion for several months. He noted that Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano had already anticipated the need for additional worker support even before the city encountered recent financial pressures.
“This is still in the planning stage, but Mayor Jonkie Ouano had already been considering this several months ago,” Seno stated. “We wanted to prepare in advance for unforeseen events like the challenges we are facing now.”
Budget Constraints and Multiple Expenses
Seno emphasized that city officials are currently conducting a thorough review of the local government’s budget requirements before making any final decisions. The City is managing multiple expenses simultaneously, which complicates the financial landscape.
“We are carefully studying the budget because there are many expenses that need to be covered,” he explained. “The mayor is seriously considering increasing the salaries of JO workers, but we have to make sure that the budget can sustain it.”
The matter has already been discussed with City Administrator Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on and Mayor Ouano, with Seno describing the proposal as “already in the works.”
Scope and Financial Evaluation
If approved, the salary increase would apply uniformly to all JO workers across the board. However, Seno clarified that no specific figures have been finalized yet. The city is still evaluating its available funds and addressing urgent expenditures, including additional allocations for waste management and other pressing concerns.
“The increase will be for everyone if it pushes through,” Seno said. “But as for the amount, there is none yet because we still need to look at the budget. We are even working on a supplemental budget now because of the garbage problem and other concerns.”
Commitment Amid Uncertainty
Seno stressed that while the city leadership is committed to improving compensation for JO workers, no implementation date has been set. Officials are continuing to review all financial considerations from every angle before proceeding.
“For now, it is still a plan,” he remarked. “We are looking at every angle first before deciding when it can be implemented.”
The proposed wage increase offers a glimmer of hope for Mandaue City’s JO workers, many of whom depend on modest daily pay. Nonetheless, city officials have made it clear that the final decision will hinge on the local government’s ability to balance worker welfare with the city’s growing financial obligations and overall fiscal health.
