The Civil Service Commission (CSC) will spearhead a nationwide tree-planting initiative from Sept. 15 to 21 in honor of the 124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA).

CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles has urged government officials, employees, as well as individuals from non-government organizations and private institutions to join the event.

The initiative aims to plant at least 10,000 trees and raise funds for the CSC’s Pamanang Lingkod Bayani (PLBi) Program, which provides support to the families of fallen civil servants.

“The third week of the PCSA, themed Linggo ng Malasakit sa Kalikasan, highlights the significance of sustainable environmental efforts and natural resource management,” Nograles explained.

“This nationwide tree-growing activity not only focuses on environmental conservation but also serves as a tribute to those who gave their lives in service, fostering a sense of patriotism,” he added.

CSC Regional Office VI, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will lead the initiative focused on tree planting to aid in climate change mitigation and foster environmental stewardship. Additionally, the event aims to raise funds to support the families of fallen civil servants.

In the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region IV, the CSC and DENR have teamed up with the Laguna Lake Development Authority to plant seedlings along the 28 local government units surrounding Laguna de Bay on Sept. 16.

PCSA celebration

The annual PCSA celebration marks the establishment of the Philippine Civil Service on September 19, 1900, through Public Law No. 5, titled “An Act for the Establishment and Maintenance of an Efficient and Honest Civil Service in the Philippine Islands.”

This year's PCSA celebration will highlight the significance of sustainable management in creating a future-ready civil service. The theme for the decade is “Transforming Public Service in the Next Decade: Honing Agile and Future-Ready Servant-Heroes.”

Other upcoming activities for the 124th PCSA include the Medical Mission: Medical Relief for the Underprivileged, Bloodletting Activity, National Coastal Clean-up, Awards Rites for the 2024 Outstanding Government Workers, 2024 Leaders & Human Resource Symposium, and the Contact Center ng Bayan Partner Recognition Program.

Participation

The locations and specific dates for tree-growing activities in other regions will be announced by the CSC Regional Offices on their official Facebook pages and the PCSA microsite at csc.gov.ph/pcsa2024.

Interested participants can coordinate with their nearest CSC Regional Office to obtain the registration link and pay the registration fee. Walk-in participants may also be accommodated at the discretion of the respective CSC Regional Offices.

The CSC also noted that participants will receive a certificate of participation, while partner agencies and stakeholders will be awarded a certificate of appreciation.

“As we celebrate another year of successful public service, we also need to remember the critical need to care for our planet. We are excited for the support of both the public and private sectors in our goal to promote environmentalism and patriotism,” Nograles said.