FIRST DIBS. A local business establishment in Dumaguete City Wednesday (May 25, 2022) announced several job hirings. An ordinance is now being deliberated to prioritize residents of this Negros Oriental capital city in local employment opportunities, provided they are qualified.(Photo/infographics courtesy of PESO-Dumaguete Facebook) DUMAGUETE CITY - A city ordinance is being pushed for residents here to be given priority in local employment to alleviate the economic impacts due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Ma. Socorro Pastor Mira, manager of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday the city council is deliberating on a proposed ordinance that will detail the guidelines and mechanics to ensure a fair and just implementation in business establishments and other workplaces. The proposed ordinance is authored by Vice Mayor Karissa Tolentino-Maxino and Councilor Michael Bandal. "Actually, this is a new proposal but it is a government mandate that residents within the area where the business establishment is located will be given priority in the hiring of workers," Mira said. She said that the initial proposal is for establishments to hire at least 50 percent unskilled and 30 percent skilled local laborers provided they meet the qualifications. Supervisory level positions may be offered to applicants outside of the city, she added. Some commercial establishments and businesses, such as those in the business process outsourcing (BPO) based in this capital, are hiring employees outside of the city, she noted. Meanwhile, the city council on Wednesday, after deliberations on specific details of the proposed ordinance, moved for its deference to invite representatives from the business sector and other stakeholders to provide additional inputs for proper guidance. Mira said the proposal will also be discussed with owners and managers of businesses and other establishments and even with the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (PNA) }