CSC opens search for exemplary gov’t workers

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is now accepting nominations to the 2011 Search for Outstanding Public Servants.

The CSC conducts the Search annually as part of the Honor Awards Program (HAP) to recognize and reward public servants who have made outstanding achievements and have displayed exemplary conduct or ethical behavior.

“This year, the Search is anchored on the theme, “Hero ang Public Servant” to highlight the heroism and sacrifices of our country’s state workers despite the numerous challenges of public service,” said CSC Chair Francisco T. Duque III.

Three kinds of awards are at stake. The Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is conferred on an individual or group for exceptional contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had nationwide impact on public interest. On the other hand, the Pagasa Award is granted to an individual or group for outstanding contributions that directly benefit more than one department of government on a certain degree of standards.

The Dangal ng Bayan Award is given to an individual for performance of extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior on the basis of observance of the norms of conduct provided under Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology director Renato U. Solidum Jr., a Lingkod Bayan awardee in 2010, said that he is proud to have achieved the highest award in government service. “As a public servant, we must always aim for quality work and service. Our contentment lies not in earning money but in being able to serve the public well.”

Rewards and incentives

Cash prizes and other rewards await the chosen finalists to the 2011 HAP Search. They will also be given masteral or doctorate degree scholarship transferable to their spouse or child. Lingkod Bayan and Dangal ng Bayan awardees will be entitled to automatic promotion or corresponding salary increase.

More importantly, the awardees will join the roster of hundreds of public servants who are models of honor, excellence and integrity in public service.

Nominees to any of the three award categories should be in the government service at the time of nomination, have been rated at least Very Satisfactory for the last two consecutive performance rating periods, and have not been found guilty of or have no pending administrative or criminal case at the time of nomination. Posthumous nominations are also accepted.

Entries will be accepted until March 31, 2011.

Nominations are accepted through any of the Commission’s Regional and Field Offices nationwide or through the HAP Secretariat at the CSC Central Office, Batasan Hills, Quezon City.

For more information on the 2011 Search for Outstanding Public Servants, please contact the HAP Secretariat at telephone numbers 931-7993, 932-0381 and 932-0111. The guidelines and downloadable forms are available at www.csc.gov.ph.