President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday honored outstanding government employees, praising rank-and-file civil servants as the backbone of public service and citing their role in delivering programs that reach communities nationwide.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto represented the President in the ceremony as he continues to limit his public appearances, after doctors diagnosed the Chief Executive with diverticulitis.
“It’s only natural for the doctors to tell him to take a week’s rest,” Recto said in a chance interview. “Konting pahinga lang (A little rest), just like any other normal individual.”
During the Pagpupugay 2025: Parangal sa mga Lingkod Bayani in Malacañang, President Marcos underscored that while senior officials often receive public attention, government services are ultimately carried out by dedicated workers whose “sipag at malasakit” (diligence and care) translate policy into action.
The event marked the Civil Service Commission’s Honor Awards Program, which recognizes exemplary government workers for integrity, excellence and impact.
The President said the awards reflect the “puso ng pamahalaan” (heart of government), public servants who quietly sustain day-to-day governance.
“Para sa lahat ng tumanggap ng parangal ngayon, kayo ang patunay na ang diwa ng tapat na paglilingkod ay buhay sa ating pamahalaan,” Mr. Marcos said.
(To all who received an award today, you are the living proof that the spirit of faithful service is alive in our government.)
“Sa gitna ng dilim at ingay, kayo ang hibla ng liwanag na nagbibigay pag-asa sa ating sambayanan,” he added.
(In the midst of darkness and noise, you are the ray of light that gives hope to our nation.)
Three major honors were conferred for the 2025 Outstanding Government Workers.
The Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo recognizes initiatives with broad and lasting national impact.
President Marcos cited livelihood and cooperative programs for fisherfolk, the establishment of innovation hubs to strengthen local enterprises, and efforts to revive the abaca industry after disasters and plant diseases, restoring income for farmers.
The Gawad Dangal ng Bayan honors public employees who demonstrate unwavering ethical conduct and service beyond the call of duty.
The President highlighted work that brought services to remote communities, programs that saved mothers’ lives, and initiatives that strengthened provincial health care systems.
The Gawad Pag-asa is awarded to employees whose excellence benefits more than one government agency.
Mr. Marcos pointed to projects such as developing earthquake safety equipment for students, advancing food security and sustainable livelihoods, and expanding support for farmers to help communities adapt to climate change.
Addressing the awardees, the President said they embodied honest service and proved that public service does not require prominence to make a difference.
“Sa anumang antas ng tungkulin, may kakayahan ang bawat isa na maglingkod ng may dangal (At any level of duty, everyone has the ability to serve with dignity),” he said.
Mr. Marcos said the continued presence of committed civil servants ensures the strength of the Republic, thanking awardees for their integrity, diligence and compassion.
