One of the highlights whenever the Civil Service Commission celebrates its founding anniversary is the “Parangal… Pasasalamat”, an annual awards rite for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees. “This is where CSC awards exemplary individuals and groups in government the prestigious Presidential Lingkod Bayan, Dangal ng Bayan and Pagasa Awards”. The ceremony was held on September 19 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Aside from the officials and employees of the Constitutional Offices headed by CSC Chairman Karina Constantino-David, Commissioners Cesar D. Buenaflor and Mary Ann Z. Fernandez-Mendoza, Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita, represented the Office of the President. With him is Nonoy Catura (inset picture), a very humble, non-political, uncompromising and down to earth Undersecretary of the Office of the Executive Secretary, Office of the President. Nonoy, was formerly with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, after the Ramos Administration (if my memory serves me right). He was the former superior of Edsel Arrieta (now deceased), who negotiated peace with the CPLA and other rebel groups all over the Philippines. Usec. Catura and Usec. Robert T. Rivera, who is also a straightforward and non-partisan Undersecretary of the Office of the Press Secretary are usually together everytime that a press briefing is held in Malacañang. Secretary Arthur Yap of the Department of Agriculture did not make it. He was, however, represented by Director Ofelia Agawin, who is also a career officer in the Department of Agriculture. Many of the awardees were from the DA either from its line bureaus, attached agencies or from the private organization supervised by the Department.
The affair was splendid! However, taking pictures of subjects in a dimly lighted environment without a flash, using only available lights is not an easy task. Even experienced photographers finds it difficult to handle. Nevertheless, it is challenging. Herewith are some of the pictures:
Aside from the officials and employees of the Constitutional Offices headed by CSC Chairman Karina Constantino-David, Commissioners Cesar D. Buenaflor and Mary Ann Z. Fernandez-Mendoza, Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita, represented the Office of the President. With him is Nonoy Catura (inset picture), a very humble, non-political, uncompromising and down to earth Undersecretary of the Office of the Executive Secretary, Office of the President. Nonoy, was formerly with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, after the Ramos Administration (if my memory serves me right). He was the former superior of Edsel Arrieta (now deceased), who negotiated peace with the CPLA and other rebel groups all over the Philippines. Usec. Catura and Usec. Robert T. Rivera, who is also a straightforward and non-partisan Undersecretary of the Office of the Press Secretary are usually together everytime that a press briefing is held in Malacañang. Secretary Arthur Yap of the Department of Agriculture did not make it. He was, however, represented by Director Ofelia Agawin, who is also a career officer in the Department of Agriculture. Many of the awardees were from the DA either from its line bureaus, attached agencies or from the private organization supervised by the Department.
The affair was splendid! However, taking pictures of subjects in a dimly lighted environment without a flash, using only available lights is not an easy task. Even experienced photographers finds it difficult to handle. Nevertheless, it is challenging. Herewith are some of the pictures:
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