Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan recognized government employees at the “Gawad Pagkilala sa mga Kawani ng Lungsod ng Maynila” held at the Metropolitan Theater on Thursday, June 13.

The city mayor led the awarding ceremony honoring the employees who have dedicated years of service to the Manila city government.

The awardees included employees in various departments, bureaus, and offices.

The city’s public information office said that they recognized 263 employees who served for 25 years, 158 employees who served for 30 years, and 52 employees who served for 35 years.

Also honored during the event were 12 employees who had a tenure of 40 years, 11 employees who had worked for over 40 years, and one employee who had a remarkable 45-year service.

Lacuna-Pangan expressed her gratitude to the employees for their dedication and hard work, which have contributed significantly to the city's progress.

In her speech, she stated that these employees will serve as an inspiration to the public, especially to their new colleagues.

The city mayor emphasized that being a civil servant is a calling.

“Sabi nga, marami ang naghahangad na mapabilang sa mga tinatawag na civil servants, ngunit iilan lamang ang nabibigyan ng pagkakataon. Ilang beses na nating napag-alaman na napakatibay maging isang empleyado ng gobyerno dahil sa tinatawag na security of tenure (As they say, many aspire to be called civil servants, but only a few are given the opportunity. We know that being a government employee has a stable position because of the security of tenure),” the city mayor said.

She also stated that throughout the pandemic, only government employees maintained their jobs and income, whereas a significant number of people in the private sector lost their jobs.

“Ito sana ang mapahalagahan nating lahat at mapagsikapan pa nating pagbutihin ang ating mga gawain sa pamahalaan (This is something we should all value and strive to improve in our work for the government),” she said.

“Tulad nga ng palagi kong ipinapaalala, walang ibang pinaka-higit na sinasandalan ang taumbayan sa mga panahon ng kagipitan, kapighatian at kahirapan kundi ang kanilang pamahalaan. Kaya’t marapat lamang na tayo ay palaging handang maging maayos at mabuti sa paglilingkod sa publiko (As I always remind you, in times of crisis, suffering, and hardship, the people rely more on their government. Therefore, it is only right that we are always prepared to serve the public efficiently and effectively),” she added.

She also stressed that government work is not about the length of service, but about creating a better world and fostering hope for a brighter future, not only for the city but for the entire country.

The mayor congratulated all the employees and retirees for their unwavering support, dedication and hard work for the city government.

“To the retirees this year and the following years, hangad natin ang inyong masayang retirement. Sabi nga nila, goodbye tension, hello pension (To the retirees this year and in the years to come, we wish you a joyful retirement. As they say, goodbye tension, hello pension),” she added.

Vice Mayor Yul Servo also joined the awarding ceremony.