Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
September 27, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administered the oath-taking of around 160 Career Executive Service Officers (CESOs) in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace.

After the oath-taking ceremony, the President led the conferment of the 2017 Gawad Career Executive Services (CES) to three honorees: Schools Division Superintendent Cristito Eco, CESO VI, of Department of Education (DepEd) – Division of Catbalogan City, Samar; Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Assistant Secretary Myrna Chua, CESO III; and Department of Health (DOH)-Bureau of Local Health Systems Development Director Enrique Tayag, CESO III.

The Gawad CES is a Presidential Award that recognizes members of the CES for their exemplary performance and significant contributions in the areas of innovation, information and communication technology, social service, public policy among others.

Likewise, the Chief Executive also conferred the 2018 Outstanding Government Workers Award, which is divided into three categories: the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, Dangal ng Bayan Award, and Pag-Asa Award.

The Presidential Lingkod ng Bayan is awarded to an individual or group for exceptional contributions that made a nationwide impact. On the other hand, the Dangal ng Bayan Award is conferred to an individual who performed an extraordinary act of public service and unswerving demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior based on the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Pag-Asa Award is being given to any individual or group whose contributions have a direct benefit to more than one department of the government.

“I am glad to join you today as we honor outstanding civil servants who set the standards of competence, accountability and integrity in the public service,” President Duterte said.

In his speech, the President reiterated anew his strong resolve to curb corruption in the government ranks.

“But the problem is— I would like to tell you now and I’m very frank with you, the presence of the Ombudsman is here— corruption. Talagang matindi ang corruption. And I will just like to lay the two predicates, unless we stop corruption and unless there is law and order in the Philippines, I am sad to say to you, we will never rise from our present level of governance,” he added before the CSC and Career Executive Service Board (CESB) officials and employees, newly-sworn CESOs, and awardees.

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