SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Government employees in Zambales were urged to uphold compassion, integrity and competence as the province marked the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary.

The celebration brought together employees from national government agencies, local government units, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and other public institutions under the theme “Puso, Dangal at Galing Para sa Bayan” or “Heart, Honor and Excellence for the Nation.”

The event also served as Employees Day, featuring parlor games and performances in singing and dancing among participating government units.

In his opening remarks, SBMA Deputy Administrator for Administration Vicente Evidente said the anniversary was an opportunity for government workers to reflect on their responsibilities as public servants.

Evidente said public service means serving constituents, listening to their needs and treating them with genuine care.

He said honor, or dangal, does not come from an employee’s position or rank but from how the responsibilities entrusted by the public are carried out.

“We bring honor to our work as public servants by putting the welfare of citizens above personal interest and personal gain,” Evidente said, emphasizing integrity, honesty and accountability in government service.

Hazel Helen Salonga, senior human resource specialist of the Civil Service Commission Zambales Field Office, said the Civil Service Anniversary is a celebration not only of the commission but of all public servants.

Salonga said government employees face demanding clients and challenges in their daily work, but these should not weaken their commitment to serving the public.

“Hindi lang tayo 8-to-5,” Salonga said, noting that public service sometimes requires employees to respond to the needs of constituents beyond regular office hours.

She described public service as a vocation and urged government workers to continuously improve their knowledge and skills.

“Learning is a continuous process,” Salonga said.

San Antonio Mayor Arvin “Dok” Antipolo, meanwhile, thanked the organizers and government employees for their service, particularly those who support government operations and the welfare of public servants.

Antipolo said the anniversary provided an opportunity for government workers to set aside differences in rank and position.

“Today, we are all equal. There is no mayor, no supervisor, no department head. All of us are fellow government employees,” he said.

He said compassion must be matched with honor and competence in delivering government services, noting that having a good heart alone is not enough.

Public servants must also demonstrate integrity and competence to ensure that government remains responsive, accessible and attentive to the needs of communities, Antipolo said.

“This is a special day. You are all appreciated,” he told fellow government workers.