SOURCE: PIA 10
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY โ In a bid to foster morality, efficiency, integrity, responsiveness, and courtesy in the civil service, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Northern Mindanao is calling for individuals and organizations to submit applications for the Honor Awards Program (HAP) by March 31. The annual nationwide initiative, as CSC-10 chief human resource specialist Blondy Mutia puts it, serves as an opportunity to "recognize and reward state officials and employees for their outstanding contributions to public service."
Historically, the mechanism for recognition within the civil service has evolved. Initially, the Employee Suggestion and Incentive Awards System (ESIAS) was in place, transitioning to the Program on Rewards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) in 2001. Both systems had the same goal โ to acknowledge and reward exemplary performance in the public sector.
The Honor Awards Program offers three distinct award categories. First is the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, conferred to an individual or group of individuals for exceptional or extraordinary contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had a nationwide impact on public interest, security, and patrimony. The contribution could be an innovative suggestion or a superior accomplishment. Winners receive a gold-gilded medallion crafted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), a P200,000 cash prize, and a presidential plaque signed by the President of the Philippines.
The second category, the Dangal ng Bayan Award, honors public officials and employees who have performed an extraordinary act or public service and have consistently demonstrated exemplary ethical behavior. The award is based on the observation of the eight norms of conduct stipulated under Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Winners of this category also receive a P200,000 cash prize and a trophy designed by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon V. Abueva.
The third category, the Civil Service Commission or Pagasa Award, is conferred on an individual or group of individuals for outstanding contributions that benefit more than one department of the government. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas crafts a gold-gilded medallion for the winners, who also receive a plaque with the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission's citation, signature, and a P100,000 cash award.
In northern Mindanao, Ambrocio Cultura II, the president of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, was recently honored with the Pagasa Award at Malacaรฑang for his outstanding contributions that have positively affected various government departments.
"Dili tanan makasulod sa gobyerno, naay daghan eligible pero wala kasulod. Itโs really a blessing nga nakasulod ta sa gobyerno. Mao nang ayuhon nato atong pagpanarbaho," Mutia shared, expressing the privileged nature of being part of the government and the importance of working diligently.
Government agencies play key roles in the nomination process. They are tasked with suggesting excellent individuals, and their human resource management offices handle the nominations. Casual or job workers and organizations outside the government can also suggest candidates for review by the committee.
Upon approval of the nominations, the agency head endorses the candidates. This process ensures that only the most deserving individuals, those who truly exemplify the virtues the CSC seeks to uphold, receive these prestigious awards.
As the submission deadline for the Honor Awards 2024 draws near, the Civil Service Commission's call for nominations is a powerful reminder of the importance of public service. It underscores the need for integrity, efficiency, and dedication in serving the nation, and the role of recognition in fostering such values. Let this serve as a call to action for all public servants to strive for excellence in their respective roles, and for the public to actively participate in recognizing and celebrating these tireless workers.
