City officials approved on third and final reading a proposed ordinance institutionalizing the values restoration enhancement program for the local government and for other purposes.
Under Ordinance No. 64, series of 2021 signed by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, local legislators stated that the measure endeavors to re-orient public officials and employees towards nurturing positive Filipino values alongside core values expected of government officials and employees as provided by law and to promote a high degree of public service in the local government.
The implementation of the ordinance will cover all officials and employees of the local government, the barangays, the Sangguniang Kabataan, public schools, the Baguio City Police Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection – Baguio city, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology – Baguio City.
Under the ordinance, the City Mayor shall create a City Values Restoration or Enhancement Team where the members will be designated by the local chief executive through an executive or administrative order with a term of 3 years unless revoked earlier. The team will be chaired by the City Mayor and co-chaired by the City Vice and chairperson of the City Council Committee on Ethics, governmental Affairs and Personnel.
Further, the action officer of the team will be the City Human Resource Management Officer or his or her authorized representative while the members include a values restoration or enhancement focal person from all departments and offices of the local government, Office of the Congressman, Liga ng Mga Barangay – Baguio City Chapter, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation – Baguio City Chapter, Baguio City Police Office, BFP – Baguio city, BJMP – Baguio City, City Schools Division Office and City Public Information office.
The team shall formulate a city values restoration or enhancement plan for the local government; implement, in coordination with the Baguio City Character Council and the Civil service Commission, values restoration programs pursuant to the aforesaid plan; recommend to the city council legislative support measures for the improvement of programs and activities; submit to the City Mayor’s Office and the city council an annual report to include among others an assessment on the impact of aforesaid programs on the employees and the departments and offices taking into account their disposition, public rapport, productivity, conduct and ethical standard indicators and perform such other related functions as may be assigned by the City Mayor or the city council.
The ordinance stipulated that the core value focus shall be based on the Civil Service Commission’s identified core values of patriotism, integrity, excellence, and spirituality. It shall include the values synonymous to the same as provided in the ordinance. Moreover, it shall also include Filipino values and Cordillera cultural values aligned with the same, particularly, the values of joy and humor, adoptability and creativity, faith and religiosity, hand work, and industriousness, resiliency, family orientation and hospitality.
The ordinance pointed out that no additional compensation shall be given to values restoration or enhancement officers, however, funds shall be provided to support the programs and activities of the team pursuant to the approved plan. By Dexter A. See
