ARMM celebrates 109th Philippine Service Anniversary

COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) commenced today the month-long commemoration of the 109th Anniversary of the Philippine Service which focuses on recognizing public servants who display exemplary performances towards a quality and productive services to the public.

Themed “Honoring our Heroes in Republic Service – Responsive, Ethical Public Servants with Vision, Impact, Commitment and Excellence,” the Civil Service Commission in the region (CSC-ARMM) emphasizes the devotion, honesty, excellence and sacrifices of heroes in service both to the public and republic.

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan, in his address, salutes all public servants “whose invaluable contributions earned them the rightful place as heroes.”

CSC-ARMM Assistant Commissioner Elmer R. Bartolata cited CSC Memorandum Circular No. 27, Series of 2009, “that the best way for public servants to honor the heroes among us, is not just to extol and reward their achievements, but to emulate their example through republic service.”

Also, in his message, CSC Chairman Ricardo L. Saludo reiterated that “a public servant should be ethical in the highest order of principle and imbue our life with deepest integrity to remain public trust and support.

“The interest and welfare of the people shall always be at hand. The public must come before its servants, as the civil service motto states, "Mamamayan Muna," Saludo further said.

In adherence, the CSC-ARMM is persistent on the completion of agency's Citizen's Charter, help desks and anti-fixer campaigns and staff seminars on customer service as provided by the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007 to immediately address public needs and concerns.

The entire September celebration comprises parlor games, clean up and tree planting, provincial and regional quiz bee and inter-agency friendship games; and will culminate by awarding the Outstanding Officials and Employees in the ARMM, Cultural Show and Family Day.

Regional Governor Ampatuan further challenged civil servants in the region “to commit yourselves to maintaining the standards of civil service at its highest, of keeping the moral and ethical standards of serving the country and of delivering to the people the public service they deserve.”

He urged all personnel of government agencies in the region, local government units, government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges to take part in the celebration.

“I hope this celebration will further inspire each of us to keep up with the principles of being an ideal and efficient public servant. The ARMM regional leadership is committed to provide a working environment conducive to the professional growth and development of government employees,” Ampatuan said. (BPI-ARMM*)