P-Noy to lead 110th Civil Service anniversary

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will lead government workers in the “RACE to Serve: Advancing Responsive, Accessible, Courteous and Effective Public Service” as the Philippine Civil Service system observes its 110th anniversary this month.

The President yesterday lauded the work of government employees, saying in Filipino, “I am happy to have you on my side in our continued fight to build a government that would not turn away from its responsibilities to the country.” 

There are some 1.4 million people working for the government. Every September, government employees commemorate the establishment of the civil service system in 1900 by the Second Philippine Commission through Public Law No. 5.

This year’s celebration will kick off with a flag raising ceremony to be held simultaneously in all government agencies on Sept. 6 at 8 a.m., after which the President’s video message will be shown.

Civil Service Commission (CSC) chair Francisco Duque III said that the bureaucracy needs the right direction, strategy and speed to win the race against mediocrity, graft, corruption, and setbacks caused by limited resources and increased public expectations.

In celebrating the important occasion this month, he called on civil servants to uphold the highest standards of service delivery when transacting with the public.