Pres. Yepes to VSU employees: Integrate sustainability in all our work

This speech was delivered on September 2, 2024, during the opening of the 124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary. 

Warmest greetings to everyone, most especially to the VSU Key Officials, College Deans, Department Heads, Office Directors and Unit Heads, Faculty Members, Administrative Staff, to our distinguished guests Dir. Michael M. Dela Cruz of the Civil Service Commission Regional Office 8, fellow public servants and esteemed colleagues, good morning! 

Today, as we welcome a brand new week and a brand new month, we gather in celebration of a significant milestone—the 124th Anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service. This observance, led by the Civil Service Commission, is our enduring commitment to public service, rooted in the establishment of the Philippine Civil Service on September 19, 1900, through Public Law No. 5.

As we reflect on the journey of public service spanning over a century, we are reminded of the theme introduced by CSC in 2021: Transforming Public Service in the Next Decade: Honing Agile and Future-Ready Servant-Heroes. This theme has guided us through the challenges of the new normal, emphasizing the necessity of digital transformation and innovation to maintain the excellence and continuity of public service.

This year's celebration shines a light on the importance of sustainable management in creating a future-ready civil service. This focus is deeply aligned with the aspirations of Ambisyon Natin 2040, which envisions a Philippines where every citizen enjoys a stable and comfortable life, supported by a clean, efficient, and fair government.

At Visayas State University, we are committed to this vision of a sustainable future. As we strive to become a global green university providing progressive leadership in agriculture, science & technology, education, and allied fields, we recognize that our role as public servants extends beyond the immediate needs of our community. We are dedicated to contributing to societal transformation by integrating sustainability into all aspects of our work—whether it be through the research we conduct, the students we educate, or the policies we implement.

To achieve a future-ready and efficient government, we must nurture a forward-thinking lingkod bayan who are capable of balancing organizational performance with economic, environmental, and social impacts. For us Viscans, this means leading by example in our commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring that the actions we take today support the well-being of future generations.

Today, as we welcome and recognize the newly hired and promoted employees of the university, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to uphold these values. The oathtaking we will witness is a pledge to serve with integrity, to lead with vision, and to contribute to the goal of societal transformation through education, research, and community service.

Let us carry forward the ideals of the Philippine Civil Service and VSU's vision for a sustainable, progressive future. Together, we can make meaningful strides towards a society that is not only ready for the challenges of tomorrow but also one that thrives in harmony with the environment and each other.

Thank you, let us enjoy the rest of the day. Mabuhay!

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goals: No. 4 (Quality Education) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).]

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