COUNCILOR Arthur Allad-iw has recommended the approval of a measure giving priority in employment to Baguio residents when applying for jobs within the metro.

Allad-iw, who chairs the committee on employment, livelihood and cooperatives, and persons with Disabilities (PWDs), reviewed three related measures filed by Councilor Joel Alangsab and former councilors Edgar Avila Leandro Yangot Jr.

"We produce graduates, skilled among others and they should utilize that here too," Allad-iw said.

He consolidated the three proposed measures requiring all employers to give priority employment and hiring bonafide residents and businesses in the city, as well as observing the Baguio first policy.

Allad-iw's committee report cited public consultation on the consolidated measures were conducted last year where representatives from different sectors were invited and actively participated during the said public consultation.

"Their comments and suggestions were duly considered by the committee in drafting the final copy of the ordinance," he said.

Allad-iw said the new measure will now be up for publication, and it will be back in the City Council for second reading after publication.

The "Baguio first policy" makes it mandatory for all employers operating in the city to give preference to qualified Baguio residents in the hiring of applicants for employment.

Under the proposed ordinance, all employers through their respective human resource officers, shall submit to the Permits and Licensing Division of the City Mayor's Office a semestral report on the employment status of their business or firm.

Any employer operating in the city found violating the pertinent provisions of the ordinance shall be meted a fine of P5,000 or one-year imprisonment or both upon the discretion of the court plus revocation of their business permits.

The measure stated that the city has became an educational and economic center north of Manila and inevitably, a potential commercial and trade borough with the establishment of small and medium businesses, commercial buildings and trade centers.