A country’s progress is a reliable barometer of how effective its government is. But for any government to be effective, it has to rely greatly on the performance and dedication of its officials and employees. Many will claim that public service is heavily-tainted with corruption, but still, we cannot ignore the fact that many of them work hard and are exposed to danger; some are even assigned to far-flung areas, away from their families. So it is only but fitting to give due honor and recognition to these people who are truly deserving to be called heroes of our times.
Realizing that public servants do indeed have significant roles in nation building, a group of government employees in the Philippines conceived and organized a group which can be an effective vehicle in looking after the workers’ interests and concerns. Thus in December 1945, the Philippine Government Employees’ Association (PGEA) was born with the vision of becoming a strong, democratic and effective public sector labor organization that will unite legitimate public unions with committed and genuine workers; and promote public sector unionism in the interest and well-being of public servants and efficiency in the spirit of true public service.
During the term of President Fidel Ramos, the PGEA introduced different programs to highlight the invaluable service rendered by deserving government employees. They cited the need to encourage continuity in the attainment of efficiency and quality in service; and to recognize government employees who have rendered exemplary efforts in the performance of their duties. The success of these programs prompted President Ramos to issue Proclamation No. 1130, declaring the first week of December of every year as National Government Employees’ Week.
Some of the successful programs launched by PGEA, through the able leadership of its president, Esperanza S. Ocampo, are the “Dulugan ng Bayan,” Courtesy Campaign, “Botika ng Bayan,” “Angat Kabuhayan” through the PGEA Kawani Cooperative, PGEA Housing Project and Retirement Homes, Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Election (HOPE), Member’s Benefit Enhancement and Welfare Protection Program and “Butil ng Buhay” projects. PGEA has also been involved in various social works such as the “Gawad Kalinga”, its annual medical-dental mission, relief operations for typhoon Frank victims, and tree planting activities.
PGEA is also set to institutionalize its social responsibility efforts by launching “Lingap Barangay”, a project where government agencies through its employees’ associations, unions, cooperatives and other groups are enjoined to “adopt a depressed barangay” for its charitable and social works. PGEA has transcended from being the lead advocate for the benefit of government employees, it has also become their voice. PGEA is represented in the governing boards of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Housing Development and Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Public Sector Labor and Management Council (PSLMC) and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).
The commemoration of National Government Employees’ Week has been requested by PGEA to coincide with its founding anniversary. By virtue of this proclamation, the first institutional celebration of Government Employees’ Week resulted in the creation of the National Convention of Government Employees Working Council (NCGEWC), thus making the first week of December more meaningful and significant for government employees. This year’s theme is “Going Beyond Public Office: A Call for Quality Public Service and Social Responsibility”. Indeed, our government employees are the country’s unsung heroes. By ensuring their welfare, we effectively ensure the quality of service that our people deserve.