CSC honors Central Luzon 'heroes in government'

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority's (SBMA) Security Officer III Joel G. Viray received the award for his dynamism and dedication in his work which led to the improvement of security systems and processes Subic Freeport.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) recently honored Central Luzon's heroes in government, all awardees of its Public Service Delivery Audit/Assistance (PASADA) and Honor Awards Programs (HAP).

CSC Chairman Ricardo L. Saludo extolled the awardees' good work, achievements and heroism as he stressed that they are excellent and outstanding servants of government.

The awarding ceremonies highlighted the commission's 108th anniversary celebration this month which has for its theme: "Republic Service - Kabalikat ng Bayan sa Panahon ng Paghamon."

As chairman of the CSC, Saludo vowed that he will ensure that the commission will boost the morale of public servants by giving them a sense of purpose and inspire them to work harder and better.

He also aims to rebuild public trust in government service by highlighting and promoting the good deeds and exemplary works of government employees.

Saludo said that his administration shall give priority focus to the attainment of its mission and vision dubbed MERCI.

He explained that the MERCI acronym stands for Morale of civil servants; Efficiency in information technology, governance, education and trainings; Responsiveness thru constant and regular dialogues and consultation with clientele; and Integrity through mechanisms on effective governance.

CSC Regional Director Karin Litz B. Zerna said that PASADA is CSC's proactive mechanism installed to address the problems wrought by inefficiency at the government's frontline services and it highlights best practices, ideal systems and tested solutions that made possible improved service delivery.

Zerna said that this year's PASADA top rating agencies are the office of municipal planning and development coordinator of Bamban, Tarlac; members assistance section of the Social Security System (SSS); municipal assessor's office of Capas, Tarlac; payment section of Paniqui Water District in Tarlac; taxpayer assistance section of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the City of San Fernando; residence certificate issuance section of the city government of Angeles; payment section of Angeles City Water District; municipal assessor's office of Moncada, Tarlac; and office of the municipal planning and development coordinator, also of Moncada,Tarlac.

Pagasa awards were also given to outstanding individuals and groups in recognition of their outstanding contributions resulting from an idea or performance that directly benefit more than one department of the government.

Dr. Philip B. Ibarra, president of Tarlac College of Agriculture (TCA), received the Pagasa award for his masterful stewardship of the college's human capital which led to the introduction of innovative programs and enhanced competencies and skills of its manpower.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority's (SBMA) Security Officer III Joel G. Viray also received the Pagasa award for his dynamism and dedication in his work which led to the improvement of security systems and processes at the said Freeport.

Awardee for the group category of the Pagasa award is the provincial assessment and treasury office of the provincial government of Bulacan for the group's determination to properly collect real property tax in the province through its "Buwis Balikatan sa Barangay", a strategy to improve collection of taxes by sustained tax education in the far-flung barangays.

The TCA is another awardee for the group category for the college's successful introduction and commercialization of the clean planting materials (CPM) which reduced the incidence of sweet potato disease by more than 50 percent. This technology has contributed to an almost 50 percent increase in crop yield.

The awarding ceremony was held at King's Royal Hotel & Leisure Park in Bacolor, Pampanga with regional directors and employees of national government agencies in the region in attendance. by Erlinda T. Yutuc - PIA