Outstanding public servants honored

MANILA, Philippines - At the Talisayan Elementary School in Zamboanga City, teacher Lorna Pulalon defended her students from a deranged ex-convict who went on a stabbing spree, an act that cost her her life.

Philippine Air Force bomb expert Jesus Fabian improvised disruptor kits that can disarm thin-walled explosive devices with minimal detonation risk. His innovations not only saved lives but also P3.8 million in public funds.

Despite threats, state auditor Helen Cailing of Commission on Audit-Cotabato City exposed massive malversation of government funds in Sarangani.

To help rice farmers depending on rainfall for water, the Aerobic Rice Research, Development and Extension Team of Bulacan Agricultural State College promoted the use of aerobic rice technology, which requires less water, thus enabling farmers.

These are some of this year’s Outstanding Public Officials and Employees who were awarded at Malacañang recently. Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. led the awards rites assisted by Civil Service Commission (CSC) chair Francisco Duque III.

Three types of awards were given. The Presidential Lingkod Bayan award is conferred on an individual or group for exceptional contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had nationwide impact on public interest.

Joining Fabian in the Lingkod Bayan category are Mayor Arlene Arcillas (Sta. Rosa City, Laguna); Lucia Buaquiña (Misamis Occidental); Jeorge Ejercito Estregan (Laguna); Janeth Fuentes (Philippine Science High School, Leyte); Joselito Kakilala (Philippine Army 10th ID, General Santos City); Violeta Salda (Benguet State University); Bukidnon Housing Team; Metro La Union Water District Special Audit Team; and Solid Waste Management Team (San Carlos, Negros Occidental).

The Dangal ng Bayan award is given to an individual for performance of extraordinary act or public service.

Aside from Pulalon and Cailing, other Dangal ng Bayan awardees are Lucille Abad (Philippine Nuclear Research Institute); Edgardo Chatto (Bohol); Jelyn Duting (Banate Post Office, Iloilo City); Joey Fernandez (San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan); Eleanor Javonillo (Antipolo); Edgar Madlaing (Benguet National High School); Elpidio Malinao, posthumous (UP Los Baños); Ramon Piang Sr. (Upi, Maguindanao).

The Pagasa Award is granted to an individual or group for outstanding contributions that directly benefit more than one department of government.

The Aerobic Rice Team received the Pagasa Award along with Bayle Baguioan (UPLB, Laguna); Dionisio Cagampang (Dept. of Agriculture, Cagayan de Oro City); Aileen Cuevas (DSWD, Cebu City); Ma. Annie Espinosa (Quezon District Jail, Lucena City); Jose Renan Suarez (Philippine Navy); Dumalag Rural Health Unit (Capiz); Northern Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (Cagayan de Oro City); Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOSt, Taguig City); and Provincial Health Office Dental Team (Abra).

The awardees received cash prizes, medallions and other incentives.