THREE important personalities are set to retire from the City Hall of San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first one is a native of Dumaguete City. He has lived for decades in San Fernando where he has built a family and a name for himself. He is set to try a new venture. He wants to offer himself as a Candidate for Councilor. He has helped many unemployed persons get jobs through his role as the Peso (Public Employment Services Office) manager. His greatest achievement as a civil servant was he was awarded the Pag-asa Award by no less than the President of the Philippines. Here is a candidate who has no money to spend yet he has an excellent track record as a public official, Donny is synonymous with employment.
Joseph Garcia is the top echelon in the Business License and Permit Division (BLPD). He has a towering personality that commands respect from the taxpayers. He does not hesitate to close erring firms for glaring violations. He would be the first person to encourage a business venture as long as it complies with government requirements. He does not shy away from the difficult aspects of regulation as he confronts influence peddlers, tax evaders and dodgers of Mayor’s Permit. The Local Government Unit is about to let go of a civil servant whose best years of his life were spent serving the City.
Ma. Gisel P. Rivera is the Accountant behind the Zero Disallowance of the City Government. She is a top-notch accountant, respected by her peers, having been a bemedalled President of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants Pampanga Chapter. She speaks her mind to whoever gets hurt. She espouses causes which are not popular but which she believes to be right. She has introduced innovations like documenting the personal properties of the City (vehicles, equipment, computers). She is the only accountant I know who submits quarterly financial reports detailing the status of appropriations allocations. She has set high standards which are exemplary acts to emulate.
Sayre, Garcia and Rivera have shown us that public service is truly a public trust.