Marcos to civil servants: You're proof that one doesn't need to be famous to serve
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (MB File Photo)
One does not need to be famous to serve the nation, President Marcos said as he hailed civil servants who exemplified outstanding public service in their respective fields on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Although physically absent during the Gawad Lingkod Bayani at the Malacañan Palace, Marcos conveyed his appreciation for public servants through his speech delivered by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
He said that the awardees are proof that the spirit of honest public service is alive in the government.
"Sa gitna ng dilim at ingay, kayo ang hibla ng liwanag na nagbibigay pag-asa sa ating sambayanan (Amid the darkness and the noise, you are the threads of light that give hope to our people)," Marcos said.
"Kayo ang patunay na maraming mabubuting empleyado sa ating pamahalaan. Kayo ang patunay na hindi kailangan maging tanyag upang tumulong sa bayan (You are proof that there are many good employees in our government. You are proof that one does not need to be famous to serve the nation)," Marcos added.
The President also told them that as long as public servants like them exist, "the republic will remain strong."
Twenty-four individuals and six groups were honored during the ceremony.
Three distinct honor awards were conferred during the event—Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo, Gawad Dangal ng Bayan, and Gawad Pag-asa
Awardees received gold-gilded medallions, plaques, and cash rewards ranging from P100,000 to P200,000. Some recipients also gained eligibility for automatic promotions and scholarships for themselves or their beneficiaries.
The President also thanked the awardees for embodying integrity, diligence, and compassion, and urged them to continue upholding excellence, discipline, and patriotism in performing their duties.
The Gawad Lingkod Bayani, formerly known as the Search for Outstanding Government Workers, recognizes civil servants who go beyond routine duties and inspire others to uphold the highest standards of ethical, effective and people-centered governance.