“One does not join government to make money; one joins government to serve.”
Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo reminded government officials and employees of this during the testimonial luncheon on Wednesday for the Supreme Court’s 44 officials and employees who are the 2023 recipients of the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE).
In his message, Gesmundo cited his 38 years of service as a public servant. He was appointed Chief Justice by then-President Rodrigo Duterte on April 5, 2021.
“What kept me working in government, despite the pay, despite those long hours, and perhaps despite an occasional disenchantment or two, was, more than the lure of learning, the sense of purpose it immediately gave me. Instantly, all my hard work found direction in that solitary goal of public service,” the top magistrate shared.
“Even when I was just starting, I knew that, in my own little way, I was doing something big, not for myself, but for others—for the greater good, for the benefit of the public, and for a purpose higher than pecuniary recompense,” he said.
“Our remuneration is in the fulfillment that comes with the knowledge that by having done our work efficiently, we have made the system work, for the public good. Indeed, public service is demanding but it is rewarding if done with utmost dedication and integrity,” he added.
“Your legacy is in leaving behind an office better than you found it, in working and giving your best for the public good, and in making yourselves examples of selfless and dedicated service to those who continue the work,” Gesmundo said.
The PRAISE awards, which started in 2002, were given to those who retired in 2022 and those retiring this year.
The award “gives recognition, motivates the pursuit of excellence, promotes awareness, and enhances the productivity of Supreme Court personnel.”
The SC’s Public Information Office said that all SC justices, officials, and employees, as well as officials and employees of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, Philippine Judicial Academy, Judicial and Bar Council, and Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Office—whether under optional or compulsory retirement schemes—are qualified to receive the service award.
To be eligible for the award, the retiree must have rendered at least 15 years of service in the government and is at least 60 years old at the time of retirement.
The awardees were given cash incentives and a plaque of appreciation.
The awardees are Atty. Jesusa Jean D. Reyes, Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Office; Atty. Carissa C. Parel, Office of Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting; Dean Sedfrey M. Candelaria, Philippine Judicial Academy; Atty. Librada C. Buena, Office of the Division Clerk of Court, First Division; Gislaine C. Juan, Medical and Dental Services;
Florence J. Bautista, Office of the Court Administrator—Financial Management Office; Paulino Ruben D. Doringo—Office of Administrative Services; Marissa A. Garrovillas – Fiscal Management and Budget Office; Loida Y. Zapanta – Judicial and Bar Council; Maria Sara M. Marquez – Office of the Court Administrator – Legal Office; Minerva C. Briones – Philippine Judicial Academy; Marissa P. Mariano – Philippine Judicial Academy.
Leopoldo D. Garra II – Office of Administrative Services; Diosdado C. Samson – Judicial Records Office; Rafaelita P. Figueroa – Office of the Court Administrator – Office of Administrative Services; Jaime F. Palting – Office of the Court Administrator – Financial Management Office; Edita P. Japzon – Internal Audit Services; Evangeline G. Alabastro – Program Management Office; Albert C. Semilla – Office of the Chief Attorney; Victor M. Dimabuyu – Office of Administrative Services; Alfredo T. Awiten – Supreme Court Baguio Compound; Rolando P. Eisma – Office of Administrative Services; Carmen F. Te – Office of the Court Administrator – Office of Administrative Services; Amparo L. Ramos – Office of Administrative Services; Diosdado D. Paño – Office of the Court Administrator – Court Management Office; Julita M. Magpantay – Office of the Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva; Evangeline M. Escueta – Fiscal Management and Budget Office; Emmanuel M. Bumanglag – Office of Administrative Services; Marilu B. Gonzalez – Office of the Reporter; Ladislao S. Del Rosario – Internal Audit Services; Romeo A. Mendoza – Printing Services; Rodolfo N. Lupango – Office of Administrative Services; Julian P. Pabustan, Jr. – Office of the Clerk of Court En Banc; Atty. Ramon G. Llamas – Office of the Division Clerk of Court Second Division; Teofisto M. Viajar, Jr. – Office of Administrative Services; Digna C. Palafox – Office of the Court Administrator – Court Management Office; Julia D. Makasiar – Office of the Court Administrator – Financial Management Office; Rowena A. Alejo – Office of the Court Administrator – Office of Administrative Services; Eduardo D. Rosales – Office of Justice Ricardo R. Rosario; Rosula E. Mindanao – Fiscal Management and Budget Office; Lauro C. Bautista – Office of the Clerk of Court En Banc; Agnes Lynn K. Cruz – Office of the Bar Confidant; Mercedes V. Quitevis – Fiscal Management and Budget Office; and Ponciano E. San Luis – Office of the Reporter.
The PRAISE Committee is currently headed by Atty. Maria Carina A. Matammu-Cunanan as chairperson and Atty. Marife M. Lomibao-Cuevas as vice-chairperson.