Marcos suspends govt work, classes in public schools due to 'Florita'

By Catherine S. Valente

(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has suspended government work and public school classes in all levels in Metro Manila and several other provinces beginning Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday, August 24, due to Severe Tropical Storm Florita.

Upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Press Secretary Rose Beatrix "Trixie" Cruz-Angeles said the President declared the suspension of government work and classes in the National Capital Region (NCR), including the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Zambales and Bataan starting 1:00 p.m.

"The President has declared a suspension of work and classes in all levels today until tomorrow, for all government offices and public schools in NCR, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Zambales and Bataan, due to Severe Tropical Storm Florita," Cruz-Angeles said in a statement.

"The heavy rains pose possible risks to the general public based on the recommendations of the Office of Civil Defense," she added.

However, government agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness or response to disaster and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services will continue their operations.

"The recommended suspension will prevent any untoward incidents and will ensure the safety of the general public," the NDRRMC said.

Meanwhile, Cruz-Angeles said suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.

"The same course of action for private schools and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads," she said.

𝐏𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐯’𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥

In the current times, it's innovative governance that takes the lead. The need of the people has never been constant in relation to the ever-changing time, and government services should cope with the demands of the public. 

To level up government service, the provincial government of Davao de Oro headed by Governor Tyron Uy implemented a reorganization based on the Provincial Ordinance No. 86-2021 approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the province through Vice Governor Maricar Zamora, Senior Board Member Arturo Uy, and other provincial officials. 

On February 7, 2022, a total of 927 employees took their oath of office at the provincial capitol, 447 of which are casual employees and now made permanent as a result of the reorganization. The implementation of the administrative reform precedes efficient public service and provides security of tenure for the backbone behind the province’s triumphs---its workforce. 

The reorganization also strengthens existing government programs and services of Davao de Oro as some provincial offices were now separated as lone departments thereby expanding its scope and duties.

Among the offices that were upgraded is the Provincial Information and Communications Technology Office (PICTO) which spearheads the creation of various e-government programs utilized for an efficient workflow such as the Funds Utilization Management System (FUMS), Document Tracking System, Household Profiling Needs Assessment System (HPNA), and the Feedback Management System. PICTO also created much-needed online services accessible for all dabawenyos in the course of the pandemic such as the Call DdOC, 1DdO Helpline System, ShopLokal, and DdO iPortal which garnered awards and recognitions.

The internal audit workforce, formerly a division was also upgraded as the Provincial Internal Audit Office (PIAO) and continues its responsibility in auditing the operations, and activities of the provincial offices in adherence to laws, rules, and regulations. PIAO also received an award from the Department of Interior and Local Government Unit (DILG) in recognition of its establishment of a functional and resourced internal audit division and execution of an audit plan consistent with the guidelines issued by the Department of Budget and Management, and the Civil Service Commission.

The administrative reforms made by the provincial government with full support from the Provincial Human Resource Management and Development Office (PHRMDO) magnify the strength of the province’s 4Ps Plus program in its continued service for the welfare of DdO’s greatest treasure---its people. (JA, PAO-IPRD, photos by J. Cadiz)