Public service, public trust

CAPITOL COMPOUND – Francis Kong, one of the most sought after motivational and inspirational speakers here and abroad, once said and I quote: “Refire, not retire”, in a symposium on retirement.

I also came across an article which says, retiring from work can be one of the best times of your life for it gives you the chance to pursue new areas of study, or even work part-time in an area that interests you. It could also be a great opportunity to pursue goals and dreams that had to take a back seat while you we were still young in favor of raising a family. Needless to say, retirement may be your last shot at being the person you would like to be.

Yesterday, September 26, the Provincial Government of Bataan (PGB) thru the Provincial Human Resource Management Office (PHRMO) sponsored an Employee’s Work Life program (Entry to Exit) in honor of the PGB’s retirees for their valuable contribution and dedication to service held at the Bulwagan ng Bayan.

After the welcome remarks delivered by Ms. Luz Enriquez, OIC-PHRMO; Mr. Dennis Javier, Officer I, Frontline Services Division, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Bataan and Ms. Lizette Befetel, Negosyo Center Business Counselor, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bataan enlightened the retirees on retirement, social insurance benefits, as well as on post-retirement and entrepreneurial engagement.

A total of 18 retirees (11 mandatory, 7 optional) were given plaques of appreciation, prior to which Ms. Teresita Señora and Ms. Leonora Obille shared their thoughts on their journey as retirees.

In the afternoon of the same day, a total of 30 newly hired regular employees of the PGB deployed in the different departments attended an orientation wherein Ms. Enriquez thoroughly apprised them of their benefits as well as the corresponding accountabilities and responsibilities that go with being public servants.

To the retirees, thank you for your service and good luck in your journey to the next chapter of your lives. To the new regular employees, let us continue to be vigilant in the performance of our duties that at the end of each working day, we can, with all honesty and pride say that we are worthy of being called public servants, for public service is public trust.