Thursday, May 24, 2007 DSWD 11 worker named GSIS national awardee
AN ADMINISTRATIVE support staff of the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 has been selected as one of the seven Special Achievers in Public Service (Saps) by the GSIS 70th Anniversary executive committee.
The Saps awardees will be honored during the GSIS Gala Night at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City on May 31 with Vice President Noli de Castro as guest of honor and speaker.
Melecio Bendanillo Fernandez, 42, started as a cash assistance worker of DSWD Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents in February 1987 before he was hired as casual worker of the then National Reconciliation and Development Program (NRDP-DSWD).
In 1992, he became a permanent staff holding a statistical aide position. From then on, he advanced his proficiency as a worker within the various DSWD units like planning, cash, procurement, skills development and personnel.
From 2002 until the present, Fernandez is a social welfare assistant of DSWD regional office.
He has been a public servant for 20 years now. Serving at the personnel unit, he acts as agency liaison with the Civil Service Commission, GSIS, HDMF and with the Office of the Ombudsman. On top of his official responsibilities, he was able to obtain a graduate degree in Public Administration in October 2004.
Melecio, fondly called Boy, Mel, Melody or Boyax is a house clown, a comedian and a big brother personified. He exudes that distinct cheerful aura, which could easily lighten someone else’s load and brighten up the mood of any huddle especially that of his officemates.
Fernandez is married to Peonita Medrano, a school registrar. The couple is blessed with two children, Marc Ryan, 19 and Cryztylh, three.
"I have always led a simple life and in everything I do, I always consider God first," Fernandez replied when asked what drives him as a public servant who receives just a meager compensation.
"This is an honor. I could hardly believe it and I know it's the support of my family and my co-workers that enabled me to perform my tasks in the best way I could. That is why, this award must be shared with them foremost," Fernandez stressed.
Early this year, Fernandez was named Best Administrative Staff during DSWD's 56th anniversary celebration. He was cited for his invaluable contribution in the pursuit of social welfare and development programs.
DSWD Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral will be joining Fernandez at the awards night in recognition of the GSIS 2007 Saps Awardees.
