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| DOST Region VI's S-PaSS core team receiving the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award for the development of the S-PaSS (Safe, Swift and Smart Passage) system (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Department Of Science And Technology) |
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) honored several government workers for their notable contributions and significant achievement that had great impact to different sectors and communities in the country. Among the awardees were scientists, researchers, and experts from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The ceremony for the 2023 Search for Outstanding Government Workers was held last February 14, 2024 at the Malacañang Palace in Manila with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. himself leading the ceremony.
DOST Region VI's S-PaSS Core Team was hailed as the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awardee for the group’s response to the urgent need for an accessible and efficient travel management system during the pandemic through the development of Safe, Swift, and Smart Passage or S-PaSS. Piloted in Western Visayas, S-PaSS was eventually implemented by the Department of Transportation (DoTr) in airports, seaports, and terminals nationwide. The team is composed of of DOST-VI Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga (Team Leader), Garry T. Balinon, and Ryan Vilmor J. Dumpit. Meanwhile, several awardees from the DOST received the prestigious CSC Pagasa Award, given to an individual or group for outstanding contributions that directly benefit more than one department of the government. Director III Ronnalee N. Orteza of DOST Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) – Ilocos Region Campus in San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur was recognized for her breakthrough initiative to elevate academic programs, making them critical and responsive to the needs of both learners and the community through a holistic approach that includes public and private sector partnerships.
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| DOST's Philippine Nuclear Research Institute receiving the CSC Pagasa Award for the development of a standard test to verify the legitimacy of honey products sold in the market (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Department Of Science And Technology) |
The DOST–Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) Honey Team, led by Dr. Angel Bautista VII and Norman Mendoza, was commended for developing a standard test to verify the legitimacy of honey products sold in the market thereby ensuring consumers are purchasing authentic honey. Lastly, the Food Processing and Innovation Center Davao (FPIC-Davao) of DOST Region XI consisting of Mirasol G. Domingo, Sheryl N. Napoco, Dorothy Joy M. Candilas, and Fred P. Liza was recognized for operationalizing 17 Food Innovation Centers across the country through a collaborative approach that accelerated competitiveness, encouraged startups, and motivated more students to pursue food technology. “Today, we recognize our fellow civil servants who have honored their oaths of office with remarkable and honest work that has made a positive impact on the lives of the Filipino people. Standing solidly on our nation’s bedrock belief that public office is a public trust, our 2023 Outstanding Government Workers project the image of an ideal Filipino government worker,” President Marcos remarked.
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| DOST Region XI's Food Processing and Innovation Center Davao receiving the CSC Pagasa Award for the operationalizing 17 Food Innovation Centers across the country (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Department Of Science And Technology) |
CSC Chairperson Karlos Nograles added that “it is no accident nor coincidence that this Awards Rites coincide with the celebration of Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday – days that we commemorate love and sacrifice – because it is also an opportune time to reflect on the important role of love in the life of a public servant, and we will do this today by honoring the outstanding public servants who have shown their love for our country through selfless service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of others.” The annual Search for Outstanding Government Workers is in line with the CSC’s functions mandated by the 1987 Philippine Constitution and implemented pursuant to Executive Order (EO) No. 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987; EO No. 501, series of 1992, as amended by EO No. 77, series of 1993; and Republic Act No. 6713. As provided under Section 35, Chapter 5, Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987, the CSC shall act as the Honor Awards Program (HAP) Secretariat and conduct the annual search for public exemplars. Meanwhile, submission of nominations for the 2024 Search for Outstanding Government Workers is ongoing, with the online submission deadline set for March 31, 2024.
