SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union— The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Ilocos Region recognized 25 exceptional government employees during the Regional Recognition and Awards Rites of the Search for Outstanding Government Workers.
The awards ceremony, held as part of the CSC’s Honor Awards Program (HAP) and in celebration of the 124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA), honored public servants for their outstanding performance and exemplary conduct.
The ceremony took place on September 27 at the International Convention Center of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-North La Union Campus (DMMMSU-NLUC) in Bacnotan, La Union.
The PCSA celebration’s decade-long theme, “Transforming Public Service in the Next Decade: Honing Agile and Future-Ready Servant-Heroes,” highlights the dedication of government workers to serving the country, even in the face of future challenges.
Tagudin, Ilocos Sur native and Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary, Atty. Mel John Verzosa served as the guest of honor and speaker on the recognition day.
Verzosa highlighted the importance of sustainable management in public service and commended civil servants for their resilience in overcoming challenges.
“This recognition is a testament to your hard work. Let us be reminded of why we serve and why we wake up every day as public servants,” he added.
The regional winners of the HAP in the Ilocos Region are the following:
Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award
- Dr. Shirley Agrupis, President of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU)
- PLTCol Joseph Baltazar of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO)
- Bacnotan, La Union Mayor Divina Fontanilla
- Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc
- Lovely Milles, City Civil Registrar of Alaminos City, Pangasinan
- Andie John Tadeo, Associate Professor III of DMMMSU-NLUC
CSC Pagasa Award
- Shiahari Cortez, Head Teacher III at the Department of Education-Schools Division Office (Deped-SDO) Pangasinan II
- Lilibeth Daus, Education Program Supervisor at Deped-SDO Pangasinan II
- Domingo Dismaya II, School Principal III at Deped-SDO Pangasinan II
- Marie Camille Hufana, Education Program Supervisor at Deped-SDO San Fernando City, La Union
- Leah Mylen Lucero, Social Welfare Officer V at the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office-Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1)
- Roma Madrigal, Supervising Labor and Employment Officer of the Municipal Government of San Quintin, Pangasinan
- Michael Nagas, Administrative Assistant I at City Government of San Fernando City, La Union
- Dr. Norling Tagama, Master Teacher I at DepEd-SDO Pangasinan II
Dangal ng Bayan Award
- Leonardo Aguilar, Administrative Aide III at Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Region 1
- Eduard Albay, Professor V at DMMMSU-South La Union Campus
- Novie Baylon, Project Development Officer III at DSWD FO 1
- Dr. Mary Grace Del Castillo, Medical Officer III at DSWD FO 1
- Filipina Delos Santos, Punong Barangay of Malued in Dagupan City, Pangasinan
- Joeffrey Ryan Estolas, Project Development Officer II at DSWD FO 1
- Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez
- Arnie Nerida, Administrative Assistant III at City Government of San Fernando City, La Union
- Balungao, Pangasinan Mayor Maria Theresa Peralta
- Alvima Sadcoy, Administrative Officer II at Deped-SDO Ilocos Sur
- PCol Lambert Suerte, Provincial Director of La Union Provincial Police Office (LUPPO)
Meanwhile, Agrupis, now Commission on Higher Education (CHED) commissioner, is the lone national semi-finalist from Region 1 this year.
She reflected on public service as not for the benefit of individual growth but for the betterment of the future of the country and its people.
“This recognition is not about the plaque or the title it carries; rather, it symbolizes the essence of service, service that is deeply rooted in deduction and compassion and steadfast commitment to our country,” she added.
The awardees were nominated by their respective agencies and evaluated by the Regional Committee on Awards, chaired by CSC-RO1 Regional Director Hedy Jose Lardizabal. (AMB/REB/PIA Region 1)
