Kalinga PLGU launches major gov’t reforms to fix staffing; Governor Edduba says this will boost service efficiency

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Not all government positions in the Kalinga Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) are filled. Some may no longer be necessary, while others may be misaligned with actual functions—issues that need to be addressed, according to the Kalinga Provincial Change Management Team.

On Monday, March 16, the team began discussions highlighting Governor James Sagmayao Edduba’s push for the “re-engineering” of provincial offices to ensure more efficient government services during his second term.

The team was created to assess the current setup of offices, including their performance, organizational structures, mandates, and job descriptions, as part of the re-engineering process.

Through Executive Order No. 02, series of 2026, Edduba formally established the Provincial Change Management Team (PCMT) to lead what could become one of the most significant internal reforms in the provincial government of Kalinga in recent years.

In a copy of the executive order obtained by Guru Press Cordillera, Edduba stated that the creation of the PCMT was in accordance with the powers vested in him by law and pursuant to Republic Act No. 12231 and Republic Act No. 7160.

Grounded in these legal bases, the order mandates the team to review staffing, office functions, and organizational structures under the Government Optimization Program (GOP).

According to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the GOP was signed into law on August 4, 2025, to enhance public service delivery by eliminating overlapping functions and improving operational efficiency.

Following the issuance of the order, the PCMT began laying the groundwork. During its meeting on March 16, 2026, members examined the province’s workforce, including existing positions, gaps, and areas needing adjustment.

Data presented during the meeting showed a total of 1,040 plantilla positions, of which 916 are filled while 124 remain vacant across provincial offices and hospitals.

Beyond vacancies, the team also discussed possible mismatches between positions and actual needs.

“Some roles may be redundant. Others may need to be merged. Some job titles may no longer reflect what employees actually do,” the team noted during the meeting.

The redistribution of plantilla positions across offices is also being considered, particularly for departments handling critical services.

Officials said decisions will be guided by data, civil service rules, and budget limitations to ensure accountability.

Following the discussions, the body unanimously approved the creation of a technical working group and secretariat, as mandated under the executive order, to carry out a detailed study and draft the province’s optimization plan.

The Provincial Change Management Team is chaired by Governor Edduba, with Provincial Administrator Teddy Gulay serving as vice chairperson.

Members include PPDO Flordeliza Moldero, PBO Richard Daliyong, PHRMO Grace Kidang-Flores, PLO John Paul Baguiwan, Provincial Treasurer Ma. Theresa Ganongan-Basitao, Provincial Accountant George Ban-os, Board Member Alfredo Dangani, and Provincial Assessor Jeffrey Uyam.