Traffic enforcer cited for dedication

It pays to be a dedicated public servant.

This is true for traffic enforcer Antonio Cabadsan, who directed traffic along Commonwealth Avenue, near the entrance of Don Antonio Heights in Quezon City on July 3 despite a heavy downpour.

According to Civil Service Commission director Agnes Padilla, an unnamed CSC official noticed Cabadsan’s dedication and endorsed an immediate commendation.

Cabadsan, a member of the Quezon City Hall-Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), clad in red and black uniform with raincoat, did not mind the heavy rain and directed traffic in the area all by himself.

Padilla and Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. handed the Gantimpala Agad Award to Cabadsan during the flag raising ceremony at the Quezon City Hall yesterday morning.

Belmonte urged all City Hall officials and employees to do what Cabadsan did because "he was a perfect example of a true public servant."

In the past, observers claimed policemen and traffic enforcers could not be found at night, especially during heavy rain when most of the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila are under floodwaters and motorists are left stranded.

Cabadsan said he decided to stay at his post until the wee hours to help ease the traffic congestion in the area.

"Okay lang sa akin ang mag-traffic kahit umuulan, pag-iiwanan ko yong pwesto ko magkakabuhol-buhol ang traffic doon. Kasama sa trabaho namin iyon eh," (It’s okay for me to direct the flow of traffic at my post despite heavy rain. It’s part of my job) Cabadsan said.

When The STAR checked Cabadsan’s record with the DPOS, his contract as contractual employee of the Quezon City Hall had lapsed on June 30 and former Mayor Ismael Mathay Jr. did not renew the contract.

"So when he directed traffic on Commonwealth Avenue that rainy evening, Cabadsan was not a traffic enforcer. He did it voluntarily," Manuel Sabalsa, DPOS chief said in an interview.

With his apparent dedication to his work, Sabalsa said he would recommend to Belmonte the renewal of the appointment of Cabadsan.