Bontoc caminero cited for honest public service

By Andrew Doga-ong

BONTOC, Mountain Province – He was no publicity-hungry official and just went about doing his work – rain or shine, the best way he could – diligently and making sure that every penny of his salary was honestly earned.

For this, a lowly paid caminero of the provincial government was recently awarded a certificate of commendation for his unwavering dedication to public service.

Emilio Saligumba, Jr., a road maintenance worker assigned at the Bontoc – Maligcong provincial road received the award from provincial administrator Franklin Odsey during a flag raising program.

The certificate of commendation was signed by Jerome Chees, president of the Maligcong Drivers and Operators’ Association and Maligcong, Bontoc barangay captain Julio Lac-ayen.

The MDOA earlier requested Gov. Leonard Mayaen to award the certificate of commendation to Saligumba, Jr. in recognition of the latter’s dedication to public service.

“Please understand that it would be very unkind on our part if, after having long observed Mr. Saligumba’s unwavering dedication to his work, we just let pass by without extending to him even a simple gesture of appreciation which he truly deserves on account of his exemplary performance which he consistently displayed during his tour of duty at his assigned workplace of which we are direct beneficiaries,” read part of the letter to Mayaen which was signed by all the drivers and operators plying the Bontoc-Maligcong provincial road.

Commuters to the scenic Barangay Maligcong said Saligumba is a hardworking caminero who does his work diligently and even beyond working hours.

They said the exemplary performance displayed by Saligumba is “a kind of public service worth highlighting for emulation by his co-workers in particular and other public servants in general.”

Odsey said the commendation to Saligumba by the MDOA is a recognition of values being instituted by the Human Resource Management Office, Civil Service Commission and the provincial leadership while it also gave a good image for government employees.

Saligumba was also awarded “Best Performing Employee” of the provincial government in 2009 during the Mabuhay Pasasalamat program.

Saligumba was hired in January 2006 as casual laborer and became permanent in June 2008.