“Sa Lungsod ng Biñan, empleyado ay pinangangalagaan.”
The achievements of a city or municipality does not depend on the capabilities of its elected and appointed leaders alone.
Very often overlooked are the efforts and achievements of the rank-and-file employees who work behind the scenes, ensuring that programs and services of the local government are accomplished efficiently and on time.
As the Philippines celebrates the Civil Service Month this September with the theme “Puso, Dangal at Galing Para sa Bayan,” the city government of Biñan, Laguna under Mayor Gel Alonte has spearheaded a whole lineup of activities aimed at boosting morale and performance among its rank-and-file employees.
“Very simple but meaningful ang message nito sa ating mga empleyado: public service is not just about doing our jobs; it is about how and why we do them,” Jenny Anne Sarmiento, head of the City Human Resources Development Office, told OpinYon Laguna in a message.
‘More than celebrations’
According to Sarmiento, this year’s activities for Civil Service Month are more than simply celebrations, but part of a wider program to ensure the holistic welfare of its local employees.
Aside from the usual sports activities, civic-service programs such as clean-up drives and livelihood opportunities such as the Kadiwa at Tindahan ng mga Empleyadong Entrepreneyur, the Biñan CHDRO is also hosting a series of seminars and forums aimed at improving local employees' performance.
“We have learning sessions, wellness activities, community activities, and even a session on the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,” Sarmiento related.
This year’s celebrations will culminate in the P.R.A.I.S.E. Awards on October 6, where the city government will recognize employees who exemplify excellence in government service.
An everyday objective
However, Sarmiento was quick to emphasize that her department's programs for Biñan City's employees go beyond Civil Service Month.
“Mental health and psychological well-being are continuing concerns of the City Government of Biñan. Hindi lamang ito activity tuwing PCSA,” she said in her message to OpinYon Laguna.
Among other programs, the CHRDO has implemented an internal support mechanism where it has employed two licensed Psychometricians and a psychologist to provide mental support for its employees.
“Ang gusto nating ma-develop na culture sa City Government ay iyong okay lang humingi ng tulong. We want our employees to know that taking care of their mental health is part of taking care of themselves as public servants. Because when our employees are physically, emotionally, and psychologically well, mas kaya rin nilang magbigay ng maayos at makataong serbisyo sa ating mga Biñanense.”
Sarmiento concluded her message by assuring the city’s rank-and-file workers that her department supports their own efforts to live up to Mayor Alonte’s “Galing at Epektibong Lingkod” brand of governance.
“Dalhin natin ang puso, dangal at galing hindi lamang ngayong Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, kundi araw-araw sa trabaho. Because, the best way to celebrate public service is to serve our people well. Ibigay natin ang serbisyo na gusto nating matanggap kung tayo ang nasa kalagayan nila.”
Photo courtesy of the Biñan City Information Office
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