For his exemplary performance and public service over the last three years, a janitor from Cabcab Central Elementary School was among the 28 individuals and groups given recognition by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the Sept. 18 awarding ceremony for the 2024 Outstanding Government Workers in Malacañang.
Administrative Aide I Rick O. Habana received the Dangal ng Bayan Award along with nine other individuals for the performance of extraordinary acts of public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior, based on adherence to Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
He was nominated for national recognition after winning at the regional level along with two other public servants from Catanduanes: Elaine R. Ang, Division Manager C of Virac Water District, and Efren T. Gurrobat, Head Teacher of the Science Department of San Andres Vocational School (SAVS).
Now on his 24th year of service at Cabcab CES, Habana won the Ondra Catandungan Award for Outstanding Non-Teaching Personnel in 2022 for his dedication and service to the school and the Schools Division of Catanduanes.
“When the school was challenged with a number of full refreshers (those key stage 1 learners who cannot read), he volunteered to install a reading kiosk under the shade of a tree,” then DepEd Catanduanes Schools Division Superintendent Socorro V. dela Rosa in nominating Habana.
She said that, as a result, children developed interest in reading and learning through the kiosk and the school posted a decreasing number of full refreshers.
The janitor has been a staunch advocate of the Gulayan sa Paaralan program to sustain the school feeding program, personally seeking assistance from the Department of Agriculture for seedlings and saplings, including equipment and tools, and encouraging pupils to develop their skills in gardening.
Aside from this, Habana volunteered to deliver food packs to undernourished children who could not go to school during the pandemic.
Taking a personal risk during the COVID-19 threat, he likewise volunteered to deliver unclaimed modules from the school right to the doorsteps of the learners, resulting in 100% distribution and retrieval of the modules and ensuring continuity of education at the time.
He also takes the initiative to take children home when they get sick or are not feeling well while in school, to the great relief of their thankful parents, dela Rosa stated.
“Rick may have been a janitor, but to the learners and all staff of the Division of Catanduanes, he was much more than that. He was a friend, mentor, and a beloved member of the entire SDO Catanduanes community,” his nomination paper emphasized. “Rick’s contributions are a reminder that everyone has the potential to make a difference, no matter what the title and position in life. All it takes is a kind heart, a willingness to help others, and a dedication to making the community a better place.”
President Marcos lauded the 2024 awardees for their exceptional service, principles, and hard work that inspired everyone who strive to make a difference in society.
“You serve as the pillars upon which our government can draw its confidence and to build its momentum in achieving a Bagong Pilipinas,” the Chief Executive said. “Let us remember that the impact of our work does not lie in the recognition that we receive or the laurels that we are given; it lies in the hearts that we have touched, the communities that we have reached, and the lives that we have changed. After all, government work is about making our people, our country, and our world better than when we found it.”
As part of the government’s rewards and incentives mechanism, the annual Search for Outstanding Government Workers aims to recognize civil servants who have shown utmost dedication and commitment to their work, as well as inspire other state employees toward deeper involvement in public service.
The Search is in line with the CSC’s functions mandated by the 1987 Philippine Constitution and implemented pursuant to Executive Order (EO) No. 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987; EO No. 501, series of 1992, as amended by EO No. 77, series of 1993; and Republic Act No. 6713.
As provided under Section 35, Chapter 5, Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987, the CSC shall act as the Honor Awards Program (HAP) Secretariat and conduct the annual search for public exemplars.