ONE of the most difficult standards to attain is meritocracy in public service. Patronage politics does not blend well with merit. As is, governors and mayors favor appointing their leaders and relatives once they are elected into office. It happens that the Civil Service Commission (CSC) encourages excellence in the choice of employees.

Every year, the CSC chooses winners in all agencies of government in the field of human resources. The CSC's evaluation depends upon: (1) recruitment and placement; (2) learning and development (3) performance management; and (4) rewards and recognition.

In 2016, the City of San Fernando was awarded Maturity Level II. The same city was the first government office in Pampanga to be awarded the Bronze Award in all four standards in 2018. This year, on July 24, 2019, San Fernando romped away with the CSC award at PICC, Metro Manila.

The Chief of Human Resources Management of the city, Rachelle Yusi, together with Mayor Edwin "Edsa" Santiago, was beaming with pride when she received the Plaque of Recognition.

"The reward is the job itself. The Award is only a recognition that we are doing our job well," Rachelle Yusi said.

In the same awards night, the Anti-Red Tape Agency was launched. Fortunately for San Fernando, red tape has long been addressed. The Ease of Doing Business Law has long been in practice even before this national launch.

The Civil Service Commission has shown the way for LGUs to serve their constituents well. San Fernando has answered the challenge.