Friday, October 06, 2006
Mayor receives highest national award
By Ruby P. Silubrico
CONCEPCION Mayor Raul Banias recently received the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award (Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees), so far the highest national award sponsored by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
Banias is the only mayor who was adjudged by the CSC in an individual category during the awarding ceremony last September 21, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo Cultural Center.
The search was in relation to the 106th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary Celebration with the theme Parangal...Pasasalamat 2006.
Based on the records of CSC, there were 116 nominees evaluated by the committee for the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award in the country, whittled down to 31 as semi-finalists, and further reduced to seven finalists after rigid validation and interviews.
This award is conferred to an individual or group of individuals for exceptional or extraordinary contributions resulting from an idea or performance that has nationwide impact on public interest, security, and patrimony.
Other nominees were state colleges and universities, bureaus and agencies of the National Government, local government units, government-owned firms, and heads of constitutional bodies.
Banias focused on his 2020 vision, which is zero poverty in Concepcion and was recognized in 2004 as the trailblazer of the Galing Pook program, which is the best practice in governance.
With this program, poverty rating in Concepcion was at 87 percent in 2001 and was down to 47 percent in 2004.
Through initiative and hard work, Banias converged some of his projects into one specifically on poverty reduction, health reform, and population development, shelter program to the poor through Gawad Kalinga.
"This award is not only for my self only but also for the people of Concepcion as we are guided by our vision to eradicate poverty. We got this award because of their cooperation and support of our projects," Banias said.
Aside from plaque of appreciation that was being signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Banias also received P100,000, scholarship, and health check-up as the bonus.
"A series of validation was made in my town and interviews in order to get such award and I was lucky," Banias added.
(October 6, 2006 issue)
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