SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — To honor the exemplary contributions of government workers across the Ilocos Region, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) opened this year’s search for outstanding government workers through its Honor Awards Program (HAP).
This annual recognition celebrates civil servants who are transforming public service into an avenue of innovation and sustainability to better serve the needs of the community.
CSC Ilocos Regional Director Hedy Jose Lardizabal explained the importance of this undertaking.
“This initiative balances the often negative narrative surrounding government offices and officials by recognizing the many deserving individuals who contribute beyond their call of duty,” he said during the Kapihan sa Ilocos of PIA Region 1 on Friday.
Nomination steps and qualifications
Nominations can be submitted by anyone, including public and private individuals or organizations.
Awards are open to appointive officials and employees (permanent, temporary, coterminous, contractual, and casual) stationed in the Philippines or abroad, elective officials, and elective and appointive barangay officials and employees.
Posthumous nominations are accepted for those who died in the line of duty (within 12 months of their death).
However, individuals under extension of service are not eligible.
Nominees must have three years of continuous government service by the submission deadline, a very satisfactory (VS) rating for the past three years or six semesters, and no record of administrative or criminal offenses.
Timeline in searching for the best civil workers
• Call for nominations (January to March)
• Deadline of submission (March 31)
• Regional Committee on Awards’ deliberations and meetings (April 1 to May 10)
• Deadline of submission of CSC Regional Office (May 30)
• Announcement of semi-finalists, background investigation, and call for feedback (July)
• Announcement of winners and awards rites (September)
Categories and their qualifications
Three award categories recognize outstanding public service: the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, the Dangal ng Bayan Award, and the CSC Pagasa Award.
The Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award recognizes individuals or groups of up to five members for exceptional contributions resulting from an idea or performance with nationwide impact on public interest, security, and patrimony.
On the other hand, the Dangal ng Bayan Award honors individuals who have performed an extraordinary act of public service and consistently demonstrated exemplary ethical behavior, adhering to the norms of conduct outlined in Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Lastly, the CSC Pagasa Award recognizes individuals or groups of up to five members for outstanding contributions resulting from an idea or performance that directly benefits multiple government departments.
For more information and detailed guidelines, visit the CSC Field Office La Union Facebook page.
Rainier Repollo, chief human resource specialist at the Public Assistance Liaison Division of CSC Ilocos, explained what the search committee looks for in potential winners, emphasizing longevity.
“We are looking for someone whose projects are sustainable, providing benchmarks for others, and whose efforts include digitization,” he said.
With this search for outstanding government workers, the CSC Ilocos looks forward to topping last year’s lone national winner from the region. (PIA Region 1)
