The Civil Service Commission – Regional Office 1 (CSC-RO1) successfully conducted the Regional Recognition and Awards Rites on September 29, 2025 at the Hotel Van Gogh, Candon City, Ilocos Sur, recognizing civil servants with outstanding contributions and exemplary behavior under the Gawad Lingkod Bayani (GLB) Program. The event likewise featured the bestowal of Bronze Awards to three government agencies that have successfully advanced their human resource systems, practices, and competencies to Maturity Level II under the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM). The event was graced by Mayor Eric D. Singson of Candon City, who delivered the Welcome Remarks. A recorded video message from Atty. Luis Meinrado C. Pañgulayan, CESO I, Commissioner of the Civil Service Commission, emphasized the significance of exemplifying integrity and excellence in the public sector especially in these trying times. He said, “The current crisis in government can in fact be an opportunity for change and transformation; a venue for retooling and redirecting. You see, because of the controversies, we have become more vigilant of our actions, more mindful of our duties, more circumspect of our decisions, and more efficient with our tasks… Let us continue to uphold public scrutiny and accountability. Let us demand transparency just as we exhibit it. Let us call for justice in like manner that we be fair and just in our dealings.” The ceremony also featured a keynote message from the Guest of Honor and Speaker, Hon. Marilene C. Acosta, Chief Executive Officer of the Home Development Mutual Fund, who motivated the audience, composed mostly of government employees, to continue upholding the values of puso, dangal at galing as their compass in public service, “to always show up with presence, reliability and dedication especially when people need it most.” A total of 18 Regional Winners and 3 National Semi-Finalists were recognized under the Gawad Lingkod Bayani, and 3 Government Agencies under the PRIME-HRM Maturity Level II, namely: Gawad Lingkod Bayan Ng Pangulo (5 Regional Winners) · DR. EDUARDO M. BADUA, III – Medical Center Chief, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center; · ELEANOR T. BRUNO – City Government Department Head I, City Government of Alaminos, Pangasinan; · HON. DIVINA C. FONTANILLA – Mayor, Municipal Government of Bacnotan, La Union; · MYLENE O. MANALASTAS – City Government Department Head I, City Government of Alaminos, Pangasinan; and · The CITY CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE GROUP led by MS. LOVELY D. MILLES, composed of 5 members, City Government of Alaminos, Pangasinan. Gawad Dangal ng Bayan (7 Regional Winners) · FELICAR ALBA-ANCHETA – City Government Department Head I, City Government of Laoag, Ilocos Norte; · EVELYN J. DIRECTO – Administrative Officer III, DSWD Field Office 1; · DR. CELIA L. LUBIANO – Medical Specialist III, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center; · ESTRELLA N. MADAYAG – Administrative Office IV, DSWD Field Office 1; · DONDON V. OCAMPO – Jail Senior Inspector – Warden, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Agoo, La Union; · DIEGO L. OFIAZA – Medical Technologist V, Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center; and · MORLAN G. TORRES – Jail Chief Inspector, BJMP Ilocos Sur. Gawad Pagasa (6 Regional Winners) · DINAH S. BONAO – Chief Education Supervisor, Department of Education Region 1; · HON. JOSH EDWARD S. COBANGBANG – Mayor, Municipal Government of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur; · LILIBETH A. DAUS – Education Program Supervisor, Department of Education Schools Division Office of Pangasinan II; · ROSALYN L. DESCALLAR – Project Development Officer V, Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1; · DIR. MARIE ANGELA S. GOPALAN – Director IV, Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1; and · The 4Ps DIVISION PUSO MIS GROUP led by MR. ROEL R. LAZO, composed of 5 members, DSWD Field Office 1. Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo (2 National Semi-Finalists) · DR. EDUARDO M. BADUA, III – Medical Center Chief II, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center; · HON. DIVINA C. FONTANILLA – Mayor, Municipal Government of Bacnotan, La Union; Gawad Dangal ng Bayan (1 National Semi-Finalist) · DR. CELIA L. LUBIANO – Medical Specialist III, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center; PRIME-HRM BRONZE Awardees (3 Government Agencies) · ALAMINOS CITY WATER DISTRICT – Alaminos City, Pangasinan · DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE – REGIONAL FIELD OFFICE 1 – San Fernando City, La Union · CONRADO F. ESTRELLA REGIONAL MEDICAL AND TRAUMA CENTER – Rosales, Pangasinan In response, on behalf of the awardees, two of the GLB national semi-finalists, Dr. Celia L. Lubiano and Mayor Divina C. Fontanilla, shared their heartfelt messages expressing gratitude of the honor received, recognizing the responsibility that goes with it, and reaffirming their dedication and commitment to excellence. The other members of the GLB Regional Committee on Awards were likewise presented with certificates and tokens of appreciation, namely, Director IV Tolentino G. Aquino of the Department of Education – Regional Office 1 who was represented by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, of DepEd SDO Pangasinan II, and Director Jennilyne C. Role of the Philippine Information Agency – Regional Office 1, represented by Assistant Regional Director April M. Bravo. The program concluded with the closing message delivered by Dir. Marina N. Garcia, Director II of the CSC – Ilocos Sur Field Office, who reminded the audience that “We are not just fulfilling tasks; we are shaping lives. We are not simply earning a living; we are building a nation… And when the days grow long, when the work becomes difficult, or when recognition feels far, remember this; ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. In giving ourselves to others, we discover the true worth of our lives.’” The Gawad Lingkod Bayani and the PRIME-HRM stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of civil servants and government institutions in advancing public service. By recognizing excellence and commitment, the CSC-RO1 continues to inspire a culture of integrity and service, ensuring that the spirit of lingkod bayan lives on for generations to come. – ᴊᴏꜱʜᴜᴀ ᴊᴏʜɴ ᴍ. ɢᴀᴄᴜʟᴀɪꜱ, ᴇꜱᴅ CTTO of Photos: PIA Ilocos Region #CSCunoUnaSaSerbisyo #125thPCSA #pcsa2025uno CLICK HERE:https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ba9SFizJ1/