NEWLY installed Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano has launched a sweeping review of the city government's workforce, targeting what he described as an “oversized” employee roster of around 13,000.
The initiative, among his administration’s first major actions, aims to eliminate redundancy, improve efficiency, and redirect resources to essential services.
Ouano said that while there is no drastic changes among the critical positions, a detailed evaluation of personnel is underway.
He pointed out that the city’s workforce far exceeds operational needs, and reducing it could save between P100 million to P120 million annually.
He emphasized that essential offices like the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue, Mandaue City College, and Mandaue City Hospital will remain untouched.
A memo has already been issued to Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede directing all departments to selectively extend Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers' contracts.
Only JO workers in vital areas, such as hospital staff, building guards, and sanitation workers, will be allowed to continue until August 31.
COS workers in frontline departments, including the City Health Office, MCH, MCC, City Treasurer’s Office, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, will have their contracts extended until September 30.
Positions in political and administrative offices, including the Mayor’s Office, Vice Mayor’s Office, City Councilors’ Offices, and the City Administrator’s Office, will not see any automatic contract renewals past June 30.
Support staff will only be considered on a case-by-case basis. Barangay-based roles will also be reduced, with only garbage collectors, daycare teachers, health personnel, and emergency responders retained.
Ouano said some departments were created to accommodate political allies, including purok leaders.
He confirmed that offices like the Purok Development Office will undergo reassessment but not immediate dissolution.
An internal audit of city assets, cash on hand, and inventory is also being conducted to ensure transparency during the transition.
Despite significant restructuring, Ouano said the goal is not political retribution but good governance.
He assured that employees who are not renewed may still be reconsidered if department heads vouch for their performance.
The mayor’s assumption of office on June 30 was marked by a formal turnover ceremony at the Session Hall.
On Tuesday, through his Facebook page, Ouano said he has begun visiting various department heads and evaluating the situation in each department.
"Gusto natong makita first hand ang sitwasyon sa matag opisina, so that we can assess and introduce new ways aron mas paspas ang serbisyo," he said.
Then outgoing Mayor and now Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede handed over symbolic items including a map of the city, the City Council seal, and the gavel of legislative authority.
Earlier that day, both outgoing and incoming officials gathered for a joint flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, which was attended by employees and supporters from both camps.
Ouano used the occasion to call for cooperation and reconciliation.
Bercede expressed his full support for the new mayor, saying they may come from different political backgrounds but share a commitment to serving the people of Mandaue.
He now serves as the presiding officer of the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod, composed of newly elected and returning councilors.(MyTVCebu)