President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. exhorted the staff of the Office of the President (OP) to serve “with excellence, integrity, and compassion.”

At the same time, Marcos assured the OP employees that his administration would provide them with the support, resources, and opportunities they need for their welfare and advancement.

“On this day, let us renew our commitment to giving the Filipino people a life that is peaceful and productive,” Marcos said in his message for the commemoration of the OP’s 127th founding anniversary, as shared by the Presidential Communications Office on Saturday.

“Become the embodiment of the Filipino people’s highest aspirations for a government that serves with excellence, integrity, and compassion, bringing a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) that we can proudly bequeath to succeeding generations.”

Marcos’ message was delivered by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin during the OP anniversary celebration at the Kalayaan Grounds of Malacañan Palace in Manila on Friday.

The President thanked the OP for its hard work and honesty, adding that they are regarded as the “civil service’s elite.”

He also told the employees that they are “one team, one family,” which means that their contributions to the office, whether big or small, are highly appreciated.

“Many of you here work in anonymity and behind the scenes but your labors impact the lives of millions, and all are important to the nation. To be an OP employee is both a source of pride and a burden,” he said.

Marcos said OP employees must be loyal not to him but to the Filipino people.

“The OP has historically been viewed as the template of efficiency, discipline, and excellence in public service. Every day, we strive to live up to these expectations,” he said.

“I know that you belong to a professional corps of civil servants, so it does not matter to me what God you worship, what political beliefs you embrace, for as long as these do not get in the way of your work.”

Bersamin likewise conferred awards on OP retirees for 2023.

The OP was created on March 22, 1897 during the Tejeros Convention, which resulted in the creation of a new revolutionary government and the election of Emilio Aguinaldo as President.

It is mandated to respond to the specific needs and requirements of the President to achieve the office’s purposes and objectives. (PNA)