TACLOBAN CITY – Twelve outstanding government workers and groups from the region were recognized by the Civil Service Commission Regional Office VIII (CSC-8) for their integrity, innovation, and exemplary contributions to public service.
The awardees were honored during the Gawad Lingkod Bayani Program on October 3 at the Leyte Normal University, this city, carrying the theme “Pasasalamat at Pagkilala: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Lingkod Bayani at Katuwang sa Serbisyo Publiko.”
Formerly known as the Search for Outstanding Government Workers, the program conferred three major distinctions: Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo, Gawad Dangal ng Bayan, and Gawad Pagasa, which recognize extraordinary individuals and groups whose service has gone beyond the call of duty.
Among the honorees was Ramon Martil Sumagang, farm worker II of the Calbayog city government, who emerged as the 2025 national winner for Gawad Dangal ng Bayan. Other notable awardees included Janet Alexis De Los Santos, associate professor IV at Visayas State University (Baybay City), named 2025 national semi-finalist, and several regional winners such as Abuyog Mayor Lemuel Gin Kanen Traya, FSInsp. Zardoz Villanueva Abela of Bureau of Fire-Naval, and faculty members from local state universities.
For the Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo, Victor Cañezo Jr., president of Biliran Province State University, and the Abaca Researchers and Innovators Group from Visayas State University stood out as national semifinalists, with other regional achievers recognized for their contributions to education and governance.
Meanwhile, the Gawad Pagasa highlighted collaborative efforts, with Gladys Ludevese Pascual of Southern Leyte State University named national semi-finalist, and the Padayon Beterinaryo team of Visayas State University recognized as a regional winner.
The CSC also extended recognition to partner agencies that helped advance professionalism and service excellence in the region’s bureaucracy.
Through the Gawad Lingkod Bayani Program, CSC-8 reaffirmed its commitment to spotlight public servants whose work embodies leadership, innovation, and compassion, serving as role models in the civil service.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
