Valenzuela gov’t workers’ ‘half-hearted’ service prompts memo

#BRB (Be right back) at work!

To remove distractions so they can just “do their jobs,” local government employees in Valenzuela City have been prohibited from using cell phones or logging on to their social media accounts during office hours.

In a Sept. 27 memo, Valenzuela Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian said the ban was prompted by complaints about the “lukewarm and half-hearted” service provided by distracted City Hall workers.

Exempted from the order are department heads and field personnel who are on-call. The rest can use their phones or log on to their social media accounts only during breaks.

Violators face disciplinary measures, including suspension and dismissal, as provided under Civil Service Commission guidelines.

Gatchalian said the ban was inspired by a similar measure imposed by Mayor Elpidio Barzaga Jr. of Dasmariñas, Cavite province.

Gatchalian, who worked in the hospitality industry before entering politics, said his purpose “was not to make the employees’ lives miserable, but to make our clients … [feel] more important.”

Valenzuela has actually ranked consistently among the country’s top cities in terms of efficiency, according to data from the National Competitiveness Council.

“But going beyond the efficiency, I want our officials to be more friendly and eye contact is something I value,” Gatchalian said.