Highlights of the 112^th Philippine Service Month celebration in Valenzuela City, dubbed as “Kawani, Ikaw ay Isang Lingkod Bayani,” shall feature activities that would best represent the local government’s groomed identity as corporate public servant-leaders.

Mayor WIN Gatchalian views the occasion as a perfect time for the government employees to reflect on the vision and mission of the city. He shares, “the notion of servant leadership that is religiously being followed by Valenzuela City is anchored from our Vision. We place premium on disciplined and effective delivery of basic services to our citizenry, with genuine commitment to the principles of transparent, accountable, and equitable governance.”

Parallel to the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) aim to make the nationwide celebration as an avenue to promote, showcase and celebrate heroism in public service, Valenzuela City has come up with weekly major activities that would cater to city government employees, aspiring government employees, and other job seekers for either domestic or international employment.

Ms. Feliza V. Salazar, government employee for 32 years and currently the Officer-in-Charge of the Human Resource and Management Office’s Payroll Unit, reflects on the essence of the celebration by sharing her insightful definition of “Kawani.” She explains, “Tayong mga kawani ay hindi lang basta civil servants, dapat ay maging mga huwaran din” (More than being civil servants, government employees need make themselves good role models to others as well.)

To sustain the local government’s corporate style of managing its employees, culture-building and continuous training of frontliners are being paid attention to by the chief executive. These form part of the 3S Program, which stands for Simple, Speed and Service Excellence.

“Our constituents are our clients. They are our taxpayers who fuel our projects to attain progress. It is just proper that we make them feel valued by providing them the appropriate treatment. A simple gesture of kindness or showing willingness to help could mean a lot to them,” Mayor WIN said.

Valenzuela City’s Mission Statement banners, “To achieve our common vision, we commit to ensure a cohesive organization, sustained by dignified world-class officials and employees who are working together towards the fulfillment of our collective goals and who adhere to the Ten Codes of Discipline.” This encompasses being (1) Godly, (2) Positive Thinker, (3) Creative, (4) Clean and Neat, (5) Agile or Swift, (6) Honest and Honorable, (7) Trustworthy, (8) Helpful or Charitable, (9) Patriotic, and (10) Pro-Environment.

The activities on the Civil Service Month were intended to acclaim the local workforce. For in-house employees, the Human Resources Department offered to assist those who wanted to earn additional credentials in filing for CSC Examination. Employees mass and the annual employees’ Funday are also set to promote unity. The other face of the celebration was designed for the job aspirants, which includes the two-day mega job fair and mobile passporting services.