DBM Urges Government Agencies to Fill Vacant Positions with Contract Workers

Manila-The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is encouraging government agencies to transition contract of service (COS) and job order (JO) workers into vacant permanent positions within the national government. This initiative comes in response to the current staffing vacancies and aims to stabilize employment for temporary workers.

According to Philippines News agency, of the 2,017,380 plantilla positions available across the national government, 92 percent are currently filled, leaving about 168,719 positions vacant. Pangandaman emphasized the importance of prioritizing existing COS and JO workers for these roles, as stated in a recent DBM news release. The directive aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent policy adjustments, which extend the engagement period for COS and JO workers until December 31, 2025, providing them additional time to gain necessary experience and qualifications.

This policy extension is intended to enhance the qualifications of COS and JO workers, enabling them to compete effectively for permanent roles within the government. The DBM also highlighted ongoing strategies to assist these workers in qualifying for such positions, including offering review sessions for the Civil Service Examination and further training to develop their skills.