Gov’t sector celebrates 109th aniversary of RP civil service in September

Tacloban City (30 August) — The Philippine Civil Service markds its 109th year in September with the theme “Honoring Our Heroes in Republic Service, Responsive, Ethical Public Servants with Vision, Impact, Commitment and Excellence.”

Through Memo Circular No. 27, series of 2009, Civil Service Commission Chairman Ricardo Saludo enjoined all those in the government service to honor the patriotism, integrity, excellence and sacrifices of the heroes in service to the public and the republic, from former President Corazon Aquino to the hundreds of Dangal ng Bayan, Lingkod Bayan and Pag-Asa awardees in the half-century since the passage of the Civil Service Law creating those distinctions recognizing exemplars in government.

Chairman Saludo said that the best way to honor the heroes is not just to extol and reward their achievements but to emulate their example through REPUBLIC SERVICE, Responsive, Ethical Public Servants with Vision, Impact, Commitment and Excellence, which encapsulates in an acronym the tenets and traits of honest, hardworking and honorable service in the government.

Chairman Saludo enjoined the bureaucracy to honor heroes in government service by learning and living the REPUBLIC SERVICE principles through service-enhancing initiatives and awareness activities in September and beyond.

All instrumentalities are also enjoined to complete their Anti Red Tape Act measures by the September 5 deadline. They are also encouraged to harness assemblies for understanding and propagation of the anniversary theme.

The Civil Service Commission has also lined up activities to enable all civil servants to actively and meaningfully participate in the celebration. The government-wide activities include the airing of a taped message by the President on September 1 and Simultaneous Flag-raising Ceremonies on September 7.

Another activity is the nationwide promotion of Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 and Honor Awards program through the posting ARTA posters and sharing vignettes or stories of outstanding civil servants during flag-raising ceremonies.

A special Civil Service Anniversary TV show entitled Republic Service will be shown every Friday, 9:15 to 10:00 in the evening over NBN-4. The program hosted by Chairman Saludo and NYC Commissioner Princess Abante, tackles issues of national relevance, showcases outstanding civil servants and informs the public on efforts by the civil service to address peoples’ needs.

A special edition of the Republic Service e-Newsletter will be produced and may be downloaded from the CSC website.

The CSC Regional Offices led activities may include Regional or Provincial Recognition and Awards Rites for HAP finalists, Gantimpala Agad Awardees, Bilis Aksyon Partners, and Top Rating Agencies in PASADA/Brigada Ahensiya.

Other suggested activities are the promotion of the anniversary theme; completion of Citizens Charter, help desks and anti-fixer campaigns and staff seminars on customer service; conduct of public service ethics and accountability workshops; conduct of dialogue with stakeholders; charity mission to nearby poor communities; adoption of output-based performance evaluation system; recognition of outstanding government employees and government express at the Malls. (PIA