Loyalty and excellence

GOD is really good He has sent early gifts for me this year.
  
My travel to our head office in Manila last week was filled with excitement and joy. First, it was my first time to receive a national award (as an employee) from our department secretary and second, it was my agency’s anniversary celebration.
  
Together with my bosses, I attended the awards ceremony for loyalty and praise awardees of the DSWD. The first category (loyalty) recognizes people who have stayed in the social welfare agency for 10 years and beyond.
  
I almost cried looking at an old colleague who with a cane went up the stage limping just to receive her loyalty award for 35 years of unrelenting service to the agency.
  
I really felt inspired and challenged looking at people who have given so many years of their lives working for the clients of the social welfare agency.
  
I was moved seeing old women and men receiving simple tokens for the long years of labor for the people and for their families.
  
Looking at them all lined up in smiles, I also wish that one day I will make it to the list of loyalty awardees and be proud of the long years of service in government.
  
The second category (praise), where I was included, recognizes outstanding staffs from all over the country who have contributed greatly to the agency.
  
I was on cloud nine at that moment when my contributions and accomplishments were read while receiving my plaque from the DSWD Secretary.
  
It was at that very moment when I realized that amid the stress and demands of work, I was able to do something noteworthy to make it on the list of the best performing staff in the country.
  
Together with my boss and one senior staff, we took home three service excellence awards for our Cordillera regional office.
  
Receiving an award, however, is both an achievement and a great challenge. I know that after this, there would be more expectations. I remember how our assistant secretary would always say that the reward for good work is more work.
  
As we all say, life goes on. And now, I believe that there is no way to go but to sustain the good work and aim higher.
  
I was happy that for one time, I was on the same stage with all good workers recognized by my agency. This honor humbles me and inspires me to improve my craft and contribute more for my organization.

Lastly, my attendance to the awards ceremony made me realize that loyalty and excellence are two interrelated concepts. Loyalty allows you to stay where you want to grow, to love your work, and to do it well. Excellence is achieved with and is a product of loyalty.