Tuba, Benguet is urging Baguio to reconsider its “locals first” hiring policy and to include workforce from La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay (LISTT) neighbors.
In a resolution, Councilors Oliver Paus and Arnulfo Milo said there are residents from the 13 barangays of Tuba, who opt to work in the different establishments operating in Baguio.
“The said ordinance limits qualified jobseekers from Tuba, La Trinidad, Sablan, Itogon, and Tublay from being employed in Baguio,” the resolution stated.
Under City Ordinance 48-2021, Baguio-based private learning institutions; commercial, industrial, and business establishments; construction companies, and private contractors and sub-contractors undertaking private construction projects in the city shall hire 90 percent of their employees consisting of bonafide city residents who are registered with and referred to them by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).
“The officialdom of Tuba humbly requests the City of Baguio to include workforce from the LISTT areas in the spirit of cooperation and enhancing the prosperity and quality of life of all residents in the BLISTT areas,” the resolution added.
The Benguet provincial board recently expressed support to the Tuba resolution.
“We pray that the city gives equal opportunity to Benguet residents who are qualified and able to perform the job. It cannot be denied that there are also Baguio residents employed in the province. Closing doors of opportunities to neighbors is creating division and discrimination,” Vice Governor Johnny Waguis said.
In the city ordinance, a person is considered a bonafide resident if they stayed in the city for six months or more.
The ordinance stated an employer is allowed to hire a non-Baguio worker only when there are no available, qualified, and willing applicants who are bonafide residents of the city. – Ofelia C. Empian
