FOR VICENTE Candar, 54, and Cesar Zuniega Jr., 54, serving the Bacolod City Government as job order (JO) workers had long been a life of dedication without security. Candar has worked for the city for 35 years, while Zuniega has served for 32 years. Their dream of becoming regular city government employees had always felt out of reach.
That dream became reality on December 1, when Mayor Greg Gasataya announced during a flag-raising ceremony at the Bacolod City Government Center that the two JO workers, along with another JO worker Ritchie Opao, would be regularized starting January 1, 2026. For them, it was the best Christmas gift they could ever imagine.
Candar has spent decades performing demanding tasks such as clearing canals and managing waste in difficult environments. Zuniega, on the other hand, has dedicated more than three decades to painting and maintenance work for the city. Despite their service, both men had long accepted that they might retire as JO workers, with modest monthly earnings and no tenure.
Everything changed when Mayor Gasataya personally witnessed their commitment, perseverance, and bravery — often plunging into dirty canals or taking on hazardous tasks without hesitation. Moved by their dedication, he decided it was time to give them the security they had earned through years of honest work.
Candar shared that his wife and eight children were overjoyed upon learning the news through Facebook. Zuniega, meanwhile, was jubilant but still in disbelief that a dream he had let go of was finally coming true.
Both workers said they hope to buy lechon baboy with their first salary as regular employees — a simple celebration they have never been able to afford from their own income.
“Ako, wala man nagalaum pa nga ma-regular. Basta sigi lang pang-alkal kanal, ah (I was no longer hoping to be regular. I just focused on clearing canals),” Candar said, reflecting on years of tireless work.
Their story is one of perseverance, loyalty, and humility. For Candar and Zuniega, their long-awaited regularization is more than a promotion — it is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, a Christmas gift that brings pride and relief not only to themselves but to their families as well./PN
