As the country observes the Philippine Environment Month and the World Environment, Civil Service Commission (CSC) chairperson Karlo Nogralesnt Day, on Monday called on the 1.8 million public servants to promote environmental conservation and sustainability and safeguard the nation’s resources.
“Bilang mga kawani ng gobyerno, inaasahan na tayo ang syang mangunguna sa pagprotekta sa yaman nang bansa hindi lang para sa ating pansariling kapakanan kundi bilang bahagi ng ating tungkulin na itaguyod ang pampublikong interes (As government employees, we are expected to lead the way in protecting our country’s riches, not only for our personal welfare but also as part of our duty to uphold public interest),” he said in a statement.
Nograles emphasized that the provisions of Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, mandate civil servants to observe exemplary standards of living in the discharge of official duties, including a commitment to public interest and the principles of nationalism and patriotism.
He said upholding public interest over one’s own requires efficient use of government assets to prevent squandering public funds and resources.
At the same time, he said patriotism should translate into promoting ecological balance, supporting locally produced sustainable products, and preserving resources for future generations.
Nograles cited the examples provided by past awardees of the CSC Search for Outstanding Government Workers like Nelly Siababa Aggangan (2021 Presidential Lingkod Bayan); Carmel Bonifacio Garcia (2021 CSC Pagasa); and Ju-Im Jimlan (2022 Dangal ng Bayan).
Aggangan of the University of the Philippines Los Baños – National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology was recognized for her commitment to promoting biodiversity.
She has made notable contributions through the development of groundbreaking technologies and agricultural projects focused on biofertilizers and mycorrhizal inoculants that have enhanced the tolerance of plants to stress such as drought, high temperature, and heavy metals, and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Garcia, an employee of the Catanduanes provincial government, was recognized for her collaborative efforts with various state agencies to improve accessibility to tourist attractions, increase the number of accredited accommodations, and develop water-based activities that would lure more tourists.
Her novel and creative ideas not only contributed to the growth of tourism industry in the island but also had a ripple effect on the province’s economic development, local product promotion, poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, and employment generation opportunities for women, indigenous communities and the youth.
Jimlan of Tamalagon Integrated School in Tangalan, Aklan was awarded for upholding student welfare and combining it with his desire to instill environmental conservation in his students.
He developed Tuklas-Aral, an innovative teaching approach that uses “experiential learning” to enable students to appreciate and become stewards of the environment.
Likewise, his comic book “Earthan: Guardians of Nature,” which showcases the challenges faced by human beings in saving the environment, was recognized in 2019 by local and national officials as a helpful learning material on environmental protection.
“Our commitment to the country is also our share to the world. Our obligation to promote environmental conservation and sustainability is anchored on our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, and to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts,” Nograles said. (PNA)
