New Urdaneta leader assures employees' job security’

URDANETA, Pangasinan — Newly installed Mayor Blesildo Sumera assured Urdaneta City Hall employees during his first flag-raising ceremony on Monday that no municipal personnel will be dismissed or laid off following his assumption of office.

Sumera officially assumed the top executive post on 16 October, following the dismissal of former Mayor Julio Parayno III, Vice Mayor Jimmy Parayno, and six city councilors by the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of Julio Fernandez Parayno III and Jimmy Dereje Parayno after finding them liable for grave misconduct for continuing to perform official functions despite a prior government suspension order.

The six city councilors were penalized for gross neglect of duty for avoiding designation orders and refusing to assume their statutory responsibilities under the Local Government Code.

Along with their removal from office, the penalized officials face perpetual disqualification from holding public office, cancellation of their civil service eligibility, and forfeiture of their retirement benefits.

Former City Councilor Rio Virgilio F. Estevez was also installed as the new vice mayor. Replacements for the six vacant council seats will be appointed by the provincial governor upon recommendation from the new mayor.

Sumera pledged to maintain an open-door policy at the mayor’s office and vowed to listen to all city workers and residents.

“I will listen to everyone, from the lowest to the highest position. I will hear everyone out, and that is where I will base decisions that are appropriate for all,” Sumera said.

“I assure you that no one will be laid off. No one will be removed. What is due to you will be provided by the city of Urdaneta,” he added.

The new chief executive cited that Parayno is pursuing legal remedies to appeal the Ombudsman’s dismissal order.

He also urged city hall employees to remain focused on their duties and maintain public service delivery while legal proceedings continue.

Sumera said his experience as a former barangay captain, Liga ng mga Barangay president, and city councilor provides him with a clear understanding of public needs. He announced plans to visit all municipal departments to implement policies aimed at improving city services.