With heartfelt gratitude and reverence for public service, the Iloilo Provincial Government paid tribute to its most dedicated personnel during the “Pasidungog 2025” awards ceremony held on April 11 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, as part of the 124th Semana sang Iloilo celebration.
The annual recognition program, anchored under the Provincial Government’s PRAISE (Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence) initiative, honored 98 employees who rendered 30 years and more of continuous and exemplary service, as well as three-term elected officials who concluded their full terms with distinction.
Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. led the awarding rites, joined by Civil Service Commission Field Office Director II Andre L. Ladigohon and PRAISE Committee members, in conferring plaques and customized service pins to awardees from both district hospitals and provincial offices.
“Pasidungog is our way of celebrating the soul of government, its people,” Governor Defensor said in his inspirational message.
One of the highlights was the posthumous tribute to the late Mario N. Nillos, former Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, recognized for his visionary leadership and enduring contributions to Iloilo’s development. His sons received the plaque and resolution on his behalf, honoring a legacy etched in excellence and service.
Vice Governor Christine “Ting-Ting” Garin and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Members Marcelo Valentive S. Serag and Domingo B. Oso, Jr. were also given recognition for completing three consecutive terms, marking nearly a decade of dedicated public service to the people of Iloilo.
Keynote speaker Ms. Ann Rapunzel O. Ganzon, a 2024 CSC Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awardee, moved the crowd with a message that reflected the transformative power of servant leadership.
“May all of us serve not just because it is our duty but because it is our joy. Let us work not for recognition but for impact. And let us glorify the Lord with every ounce of hardwork, commitment, and dedication with utmost sincerity, love, and deep sense of responsibility,” said Ganzon.
As the Province of Iloilo continues to move forward under the banner of MoRProGRes Iloilo, “Pasidungog 2025” stands as a resounding affirmation that at the heart of good governance are people who lead with integrity, serve with passion, and inspire with purpose.
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