TACLOBAN CITY (PIA)—Eastern Visayas has secured four awards in the 2024 Search for Outstanding Government Workers during the awards ceremony held at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, September 19, 2024.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Karlo A.B. Nograles and CSC Commissioners Aileen Lourdes A. Lizada and Ryan Alvin R. Acosta, conferred the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award to Dr. Santiago T. Peña, Associate Professor III of Visayas State University, and the PHILGAP CHAMPS, which includes Zenaida C. Gonzaga, Professor VI of Visayas State University; Gideon Neil D. Tan, Instructor; Blanche Franchette D. Llera, Instructor; Concepcion B. Miro, Training Specialist III; and Mora C. Abarquez, City Agriculturist I of Baybay City LGU.
The Dangal ng Bayan Award was presented to Michael Ike M. Bertulfo, Administrative Aide of LGU-Macrohon, Southern Leyte, and Shirley M. Siozon, Associate Professor II of Eastern Visayas State University.
Dr. Peña was recognized for his significant contributions to the swine industry by spearheading the establishment of the PCAARRD-funded VSU Boar Semen LAB, aimed at mitigating the devastating impacts of African Swine Fever (ASF) and preserving the country’s local stocks.
His efforts in training scientists and researchers led to the successful cryopreservation of boar semen, further aiding in the preservation of local pig stocks.
Additionally, he generated approximately P20 million in research funds and was honored with the Outstanding Researcher Award during VSU’s 99th Founding Anniversary.
Furthermore, his implementation of VET Mends: CVM Integrated Veterinary Outreach positively impacted the community through veterinary medical missions and pet consultations.
The PHILGAP CHAMPS has revolutionized vegetable production in the Philippines by establishing PhiIGAP-certified farms in Eastern Visayas and Mindanao, totaling 35 certifications.
The project empowered farmers to adopt good agricultural practices, ensuring the production of safe and quality vegetables. It facilitated market linkages with major companies like Jollibee and NutriAsia and influenced the passing of a city ordinance in Baybay City promoting organic agriculture and GAP.
Additionally, the project established the VSU-ACIAR-GAP Model Farm, trained 353 Agriculture Extension Workers, and built 137 protective structures to ensure a year-round vegetable supply.
Bertulfo has been pivotal in the development and maintenance of the town’s extensive waterworks system, serving 37 commercial establishments, 77 institutional facilities, and 4,325 residential properties. His comprehensive understanding of the water lines allows him to manage the system without consulting plans.
Meanwhile, Professor Siozon has transformed her community through education and sustainable livelihood programs.
She spearheaded the MaESTRAH Program, benefiting 91 students at Cancaraja Elementary School and later expanding to Colawen Elementary School. Her efforts extended to empowering parents through agricultural innovation, leading to economic revitalization and community support.
A total of 28 awardees from different regions of the country were recognized during the event.
President Marcos praised this year’s awardees for their exceptional service, principles, and hard work that inspire everyone striving to make a difference in society, stating, “You serve as the pillars upon which our government can draw its confidence and build its momentum in achieving a Bagong Pilipinas. Let us remember that the impact of our work does not lie in the recognition that we receive or the laurels that we are given. It lies in the hearts that we have touched, the communities that we have reached, and the lives that we have changed. After all, government work is about making our people, our country, and our world better than when we found it.”
In his message, CSC Chairperson Nograles expressed pride in the harvest of awardees who embody the outstanding work, perseverance, and integrity of the country’s public sector human capital.
“Dahil sa kanila, mas marami na ang lubos na natutuwa sa mga pagbabago sa paraan ng paglilingkod ng mga kawani ng gobyerno sa mamamayang Pilipino—ilan sa mga ito ay ang mas mabilis at mas maginhawang aplikasyon sa mga programa, mas madaling paghingi ng social assistance at ayudang pangkabuhayan at pag-nenegosyo, mga inisyatibong nagsusulong sa paggamit ng makabagong teknolohiya sa agrikultura, at marami pang iba,” he added.
As part of the government’s rewards and incentives mechanism, the annual Search for Outstanding Government Workers aims to recognize civil servants who have shown utmost dedication and commitment to their work, as well as to inspire other state employees toward deeper involvement in public service.
The Search aligns with the CSC’s functions mandated by the 1987 Philippine Constitution and is implemented pursuant to Executive Order (EO) No. 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987; EO No. 501, series of 1992, as amended by EO No. 77, series of 1993; and Republic Act No. 6713.
As provided under Section 35, Chapter 5, Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987, the CSC shall act as the Honor Awards Program (HAP) Secretariat and conduct the annual search for public exemplars. (RLA/PIA-8)
