Civilian employees of the Department of National Defense (DND) also have a role in building up the country’s credible deterrent posture, a ranking defense official said on Monday.

“We have a role to play in building our country’s strong deterrent posture that will allow us to, as Secretary (Gilberto) Teodoro (Jr.) said, ‘deal with a position of relative parity with dignity and with honor,’” DND Undersecretary for Administration Gavin Edjawan said as the agency kicks off the month-long celebration of the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA).

Edjawan represented the DND chief during the event, where he highlighted the “crucial role of civilian personnel in performing the agency’s mandate while exercising the highest standards of a public servant.”

“As we confront evolving challenges and pursue meaningful reforms in governance, I encourage all government personnel to continue upholding the highest standards of excellence, accountability, and ethical conduct, ” he said.

Guided by the theme, “Bawat Kawani, Lingkod Bayani: Puso, Dangal, at Galing Para sa Bayan,” Edjawan urged the DND employees to continue exercising the values and ethics of a true public servant and remain steadfast in earning the trust of the Filipino people.

The PCSA month-long celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1050, series of 1997, declaring the month of September as “Civil Service Month”, and in observance of the establishment of the Philippine Civil Service on Sept. 19, 1900 through Public Law No. 5. (PNA)