Ilocos norte: The Ilocos Norte provincial government has announced the opening of more than 300 job vacancies at the capitol this year, encompassing both new and existing positions. Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos highlighted the necessity of this hiring initiative following the passage of Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-01-037, which establishes three mandatory offices, and Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-01-038, which creates permanent positions across various departments.

According to Philippines News Agency, these ordinances, certified as urgent by the governor, received unanimous approval from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP or provincial council) on Monday afternoon. Governor Marcos expressed optimism that the creation of local jobs would encourage constituents to remain in the province.

To enhance public service, the provincial government is establishing the Procurement Division of the General Services Office, the Cooperative Development Division at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, and the Disability Affairs Division of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office. Each division will include three top-level permanent positions with Salary Grade 22, and a disability affairs officer with Salary Grade 15.

In alignment with Civil Service Commission (CSC) guidelines, new positions may be transferred to current employees and staff of the designated offices, provided their duties and responsibilities align with the functions of the newly established divisions.

Additionally, the provincial government is upgrading some casual positions, creating 31 permanent (Plantilla) positions with Salary Grades ranging from 6 to 22, and 315 casual plantilla positions with a minimum Grade 22. Permanent positions require professional eligibility from the CSC, while casual positions are non-career roles intended for essential services when regular staff is insufficient, limited to a duration of 12 months.

The majority of these positions will be within the SP, General Services Office, Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital, and the Provincial Agriculture Office. As public hospitals in the province undergo upgrades, there is also a call for more specialists, nurses, and other healthcare and social service providers to join the public sector.