Ochoa hails exceptional public servants

Press Release
November 9, 2011

MALACAÑANG  –  Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. commended on Wednesday 81 civil servants who were cited for their extraordinary contributions to good governance under the Honor Awards Program of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

In simple ceremonies for the 2011 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees held at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang, Ochoa noted the competence and dedication of the awardees to uplift public service and their commitment to set an example for the entire bureaucracy.

Ochoa also echoed President Benigno S. Aquino III’s message to the awardees, urging the recipients of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, Dangal ng Bayan Award, and Pag-asa Award to continue to serve as inspirations for the Filipino people, and expressed hope that other civil servants will emulate them.

“Sa lahat ng nabigyan ng parangal… nagsilbi kayong huwaran at inspirasyon hindi lamang sa iba pa nating mga kasamahan sa gobyerno, kundi pati na rin sa sambayanang Pilipino. Nakakapagdulot kayo ng lakas at pag-asa sa araw-araw nating pakikibaka tungo sa tunay na pagbabago,” stated the message of the President, which was conveyed by Ochoa during the ceremony.

“Kaakibat po ng mga parangal na inyong natanggap ay ang hamong iniiwan sa inyo nito upang manindigan bilang mga awarded,” the Chief Executive’s message further said.  “Nawa’y maging instrumento pa kayo sa paghubog ng iba pang lingkod-bayan.  Umaasa ako na hindi magtatapos sa araw na ito ang pagpapamalas ninyo ng husay at dedikasyon (sa serbisyo-publiko).  Hinihikayat ko po kayong bumuo ng isang kalipunan ng mga lingkod-bayan na magsusulong ng magagandang programa sa iba’t ibang lugar sa ating bansa.”

The 81 officials and employees of government were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior in public service.

Each individual or group received either a gold-gilded medallion expertly crafted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or a trophy designed by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva, a plaque, and a cash prize.

The CSC administers the annual nationwide Honor Awards Program to promote morale, efficiency, integrity, responsiveness and courtesy in the civil service. The program seeks to recognize and reward state officials and employees for their outstanding contributions and achievements in the delivery of public service.

The 2011 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees include Laguna Gov. Jeorge E.R. Ejercito Estregan, Sta. Rosa, Laguna Mayor Arlene Arcillas, Misamis Occidental Public Employment Service Office Manager Lucia Buaquiña, Philippine Air Force-Clark Air Base (Pampanga) Technical Sergeant Jesus Fabian, Special Science Teacher III Janeth Fuentes (Leyte), Philippine Army (General Santos City) Col. Joselito Kakilala, Negros Occidental Solid Waste Management Team.

Supervising Science Research Specialist Lucille Abad (PNRI-QC), State Auditor Helen Cailing, Bohol Governor Edgardo Chatto, Postman Jelyn Duting, Administrative Aide Joey Fernandez, Medical Officer Eleanor Javonillo, Master Teacher Edgar Madlaing, Forestry Technician Elpidio Malinao (Posthumous), Maguindanao Vice Mayor Ramon Piang Sr., Teacher 1 Lorna Ibban Pulalon (Posthumous).