For San Pedro City, Laguna Mayor Art Mercado, the rank-and-file employees who fulfill their duties inside the local government are more than simply employees.
For him, beneath the surface lies a pool of talents that, when encouraged and harnessed to the fullest, can rise to the occasion and become assets in his campaign to make San Pedro "Una sa Laguna."
As the Philippines celebrates Civil Service Month this September, the city executive said the local government, through various programs and perks, aims not only to recognize the hard work and dedication of its civil service but also reward them for a job well done.
"Overall, ang celebration natin ngayong Civil Service Month ay hindi lang tungkol sa isang araw ng recognition. Gusto nating iparamdam sa ating mga empleyado na this month is also about them, about their well-being, their talents, their families, and their opportunities to grow," Mercado said in a message to OpinYon Laguna.
Lineup of activities
Among the lineup of activities the city government of San Pedro has lined up for its employees include "Leisure Days" where they are provided with free haircut, manicure and pedicure, massage, acupuncture and laboratory testing.
Sponsors from various businesses in San Pedro City have also provided employees of the city government with discounts, freebies, and special offers.
"Mayroon din tayong Employees’ City Fair, kung saan bawat department ay nabibigyan ng pagkakataong mag-display at magbenta ng kanilang mga produkto at iba’t ibang goods," Mercado bared.
"Hindi lamang ito simpleng fair; gusto natin itong maging opportunity para sa ating mga empleyado na magkaroon ng additional income while promoting their entrepreneurial initiatives."
Beyond Civil Service Month
However, Mercado believes that taking care of San Pedro City's rank-and-file workers should go beyond Civil Service Month.
As had been his practice since he was elected Mayor in 2022, Mercado aimed to ensure that the wellbeing of the employees at City Hall be a year-round priority.
"Para sa akin, ang appreciation sa ating mga kawani ay hindi dapat natatapos sa recognition or awards. Mas mahalaga na maramdaman nila na ang kanilang serbisyo ay may kapalit na opportunities—opportunities to learn, to grow, at magkaroon ng mas magandang future," he told OpinYon Laguna.
“Sa huli, simple lang ang gusto nating iparamdam: nakikita namin ang inyong sakripisyo, pinahahalagahan namin ang inyong serbisyo, at gusto naming kasama ninyo ang City Government sa inyong paglago at pag-abot ng inyong mga pangarap.”
(OpinYon News Team)
PHOTO CAPTION:
San Pedro City, Laguna Mayor Art Mercado (second from right) joins employees of the local government who have displayed their entrepreneurial skills at the Employees' Market Fair at the San Pedro City Hall. The Employees' Market Fair is part of the activities slated by the city government of San Pedro for the celebration of Civil Service Month. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Art Mercado/Facebook.com)
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