MISAMIS Oriental Governor Juliette Uy revealed that terminating more than 60 percent of the province’s “job order” (JO) workers was a painful but necessary survival measure to save the provincial government from a deepening financial crisis.

During her State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Wednesday, Jan. 7, Uy laid out the grim fiscal reality: the province simply lacked the resources to sustain its previous workforce. She attributed the mass reduction to unpaid bills — including a P30 million catering debt — and a massive loan obligation inherited by her administration.

Uy confirmed that the provincial government has reduced its roster of job order workers from a high of 2,588 down to between 800 and 900 personnel.

“Almost 70 percent, 60 percent atong gipaundang kay walay lain resources, malooy mo nako,” Uy said, appealing for understanding regarding the difficult decision.

The math behind the cuts

Provincial Treasurer James Violon provided the breakdown of the financial strain. Before the reduction, the province was spending over P27 million every month just on job order salaries.

By letting go of more than 60 percent of the JO workforce, the monthly expenditure dropped to approximately P10 million starting in July of last year. This drastic cut was essential to free up cash for mandatory operating expenses, which Violon noted run between P70 million and P80 million monthly.

“So kung atong lantawon, mo net ra gyud tag naa sa 15–20 million. I’d like to emphasize after deducting all of those, dili pa gyud siya igo ang mga job orders,” Violon explained.

He added that this lack of liquidity caused the previous delays in paying salaries — an issue the administration is now resolving following the reduction in personnel. Violon reported that the provincial government has now updated the unpaid salaries of job order workers and reading teachers.

A P1.2-billion burden

The province’s long-term financial health remains under pressure. As of Dec. 31, Violon disclosed that the province’s total loan obligations stand at P1.237 billion.

Of this staggering amount, P832.139 million is tied to loans maturing in 2036, while another P405.08 million is due by 2029.

Gov. Uy noted that upon assuming office, the province had only P40 million in its coffers — an amount she said was insufficient to cover existing obligations.

“Sayon igasto pero walay income ang probinsya. Naningkamot ako sa akong paglingkod karon nga ang tanan kinahanglan nay return of investment,” Uy said, emphasizing the need for projects that generate revenue.

Moving forward

Despite the austerity measures, Uy pledged to settle all remaining obligations. She also offered a direct apology to the workers displaced by the cost-cutting efforts.

“Wala koy lain resources ug mangayo kog pasaylo sa naundang ug trabaho sa JO ug sa uban kay nakita gyud nako, walay lain means nga ato gyud mapabangon ang Misamis Oriental,” she said.

Reiterating her directive for strict fiscal discipline, the governor stressed that the belt-tightening is not over.

“Dili ta pwede sigeg gasto,” Uy added.