CITY OF SAN FERNANDO---Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago was named one of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan (PLB) awardees in Central Luzon during the 2016 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
The award was received by Santiago from CSC Executive Director Arthur Luis Florentin and Regional Director Myrna Macatangay last September 26 at the Widus Hotel in Clark Freeport Zone.
The PLB award is conferred to an individual for exceptional or extraordinary contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had nationwide impact on public interest, security and patrimony. These contributions include innovation and superior accomplishment, among others.
Santiago was commended for his 10-point development agenda and “Fernandino First: Fernandino ing mumuna, Fernandino ing manimuna,” a concept for the pursuit of excellence as a way of life. These guide the city government in planning and implementing programs and projects for Fernandinos who have been seeing continuous progress, more social services and empowered barangays.
With Santiago’s stewardship, the city’s business climate has remained very favorable. Registered businesses increased by 15 percent from 2012 to 2015. For two consecutive years (2014-2015), the city was named as the Most Business Friendly Local Government Unit by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He also implemented long term solutions for social issues including programs that address the birth-to-retirement needs of the citizenry.
His directive to attract investments that generate a high level of employment with no negative effects on the environment is reflected in programs like the Plastic Free Ordinance, full implementation of Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, establishment of Organic Trading Post, among others.
In an interview, Santiago said he has dedicated this recognition to the Fernandinos. “I am truly humbled to be given this award. If our work as public officials made people’s lives better then we have accomplished our sworn duties”, he said.
He also encouraged his fellow awardees to keep on improving the government’s quality of service so that the public shall be served better.
“Remember that awards and recognitions are our dashboards and barometers. They keep us on track on how we do our job of serving the people” he added.
Other PLB awardees in the region are Dr. Ricardo Orge of Philippine Rice Research Institute, PSUPT Rhodel Sermonia, Provincial Director of PNP Bataan, and Governor Albert Raymond Garcia of Bataan.
Other civil servants were also awarded in the Pag-asa and Dangal ng Bayan categories. (CSF-CIO)