The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has expanded the incentive package for its highest distinction for government workers, the “Gawad Lingkod Bayani Awards.”

The updated program introduces strengthened partnerships with hospitals and academic institutions to broaden access to health services and scholarship opportunities for awardees nationwide.

Under the program, awardees may avail of free executive medical check-ups within one year from the conferment of their award.

The initiative is supported by long-standing partner hospitals that have renewed agreements with the CSC, including the Philippine General Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and Lung Center of the Philippines.

To extend coverage beyond Metro Manila, the CSC has added new partner hospitals in key regions across the country:

* Cordillera Administrative Region: Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center

* Region I (Ilocos Region): Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center

* Region VI (Western Visayas): Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital; Western Visayas State University Medical Center; Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital

* Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: Cotabato Regional Medical Center

Beyond health benefits, the expanded incentives also cover educational opportunities for awardees and their qualified beneficiaries, which may include a spouse, child, parent, or sibling.

Scholarship privileges may be availed within five years from the conferment of the award.

Partner institutions include the Philippine Normal University, University of the Philippines, and Mariano Marcos State University, with programs available across their campuses nationwide.

Applicants must meet the admission and academic requirements of each institution.

The CSC said the expanded partnerships aim to make benefits more accessible, inclusive, and geographically responsive, allowing awardees to access health services and education closer to their home regions.

It also encouraged more medical and academic institutions to join the program in support of government workers recognized for exemplary public service.

Formerly known as the Search for Outstanding Government Workers, the Gawad Lingkod Bayani is part of the government’s rewards and incentives mechanism under the Honor Awards Program.

The new name aims to capture the deeper sense of pride, sacrifice, and purpose embodied by the country’s most dedicated civil servants.

CSC Chairperson Marilyn B. Yap earlier said the new name in Filipino is not only more rooted, authentic, and nationally relevant but also aligned with the CSC’s campaign, “Puso, Dangal, at Galing Para sa Bayan,” which encourages government employees to uphold the highest standards of service, ethics, and professionalism by recognizing exceptional performance.

“Lingkod Bayani” does not merely describe an award; it sets a standard. We want to celebrate those who serve selflessly and challenge others to rise to the same level of public service,” Yap said.