ILOILO City – Incessant increase in the prices of fuel. Rise in electricity rates. Possible drop in Internal Revenue Allotment. Citing these, the city government is embarking on cost-cutting measures.
Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order (EO) No. 57 outlining ways to minimize expenditures and save resources while maximizing the services and operations of the city government,
There shall be no filling up of unnecessary vacant positions unless there is a dire need to do so, he stressed. Offices should instead utilize their existing manpower to the maximum.
The EO also discourages unnecessary travels or seminars by officials and employees. It deems them unnecessary if not beneficial to office work or to the improvement of the city government’s operation.
Travels or seminars may only be permitted if they are mandated, directly related to office work or can be justified that the same contributes to the betterment of the employees in relation to their functions or positions in the city government.
Regarding the use of office facilities, the EO stated: “Unnecessary use of office equipment and facilities, such as but not limited to, the use of computers, air-conditioners, and government vehicles are strictly discouraged in order to reduce the maintenance cost.”
When not in use, air-conditioners and office lights must be switched off.
Air-conditioners should only be used from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and only at 24 degrees Celsius.
To maximize the current city government manpower, Treñas ordered employees to observe punctuality and efficiency. The city government will be strict on monitoring the reporting time of employees.
But overtime services shall be minimized, he stressed.
“The utilization of labor, power, water, supplies and materials shall also be managed properly and maximized to their full usage. Recycling shall be observed, if possible,” according to the mayor.
Treñas also ordered revenue collection to be intensified and improved.
EO No. 57 also ordered a 10 percent reduction in the gas allowance of city hall offices.
Also, the free transportation service of the city government for its officials and employees would cease.
Today, there’s a scheduled big-time oil price increase. According to the Department of Energy, among the reasons for soaring oil prices are the start of increasing demand of northern hemisphere nations brought by the summer peak period, and European Union’s ban on Russian oil imports.
Just recently, the Resource Employees Association of City Hall (REACH), a recognized employees association of the Iloilo City Government, released Resolution No. 4-2022 enjoining members to not be wasteful of city hall resources./PN
