Chief Justice Gesmundo Gives Tribute to Supreme Court Service Awardees
August 3, 2023
“One does not join government to make money; one joins government to serve.”
Thus emphasized Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo to the 2023 Service Awardees of the Supreme Court of the Philippines during a testimonial luncheon held at the Training Center, Supreme Court Centennial Building in Ermita, Manila on August 2, 2023.
The Supreme Court, led by the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (SC PRAISE) Committee, granted the Service Award to 44 Supreme Court officials and employees retiring in 2022 and 2023.
All retiring Supreme Court Justices, officials, and employees, as well as officials and employees of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, Philippine Judicial Academy, Judicial and Bar Council, and Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Office, whether under optional or compulsory retirement schemes, are entitled to receive the Service Award. The Award is given regardless of status of employment, excluding contractual employees.
To be eligible for the Award, the retiree must have rendered at least 15 years of service in the government; and is at least 60 years old at the time of retirement.
The 2023 Service Awardees were given a cash incentive and a plaque of appreciation.
In his inspirational message, Chief Justice Gesmundo shared with the Service Awardees his experience as a public servant for 38 years: “[W]hat kept me working in government, despite the pay, despite those long hours, and perhaps despite an occasional disenchantment or two, was, more than the lure of learning, the sense of purpose it immediately gave me. Instantly, all my hard work found direction in that solitary goal of public service. Even when I was just starting, I knew that, in my own little way, I was doing something big, not for myself, but for others—for the greater good, for the benefit of the public, and for a purpose higher than pecuniary recompense.”
The Chief Justice added, “Our remuneration is in the fulfillment that comes with the knowledge that by having done our work efficiently, we have made the system work, for the public good. Indeed, public service is demanding but it is rewarding if done with utmost dedication and integrity.”
Chief Justice Gesmundo concluded, “[Y]our legacy is in leaving behind an office better than you found it, in working and giving your best for the public good, and in making yourselves examples of selfless and dedicated service to those who continue the work.”
The Court established the SC PRAISE in 2002 as its own employee suggestions and incentive awards system, pursuant to Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution No. 010112 and CSC Memorandum Circular No. 01, series of 2001.
The SC PRAISE’S basic thrusts are to give recognition, motivate pursuit of excellence, promote awareness, and enhance productivity of Supreme Court personnel.
The SC PRAISE Committee is currently headed by Atty. Maria Carina A. Matammu-Cunanan as Chairperson and Atty. Marife M. Lomibao-Cuevas as Vice-Chairperson. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)