Davao del Norte officials and employees are encouraged to do their share in helping fight corruption that has dogged previous Philippine governments and impeded the country’s socio-economic advancement.
Provincial Administrator Rufo L. Pelgro said everyone in the government bureaucracy , including local officials and employees, have a very important role to play in realizing President Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s vow to liberate the Filipino people from pervasive corruption and poverty.
“The President said we can only end poverty if we fight corruption, and this is where every government worker has a major role to play,” Peligro told the Capitol officials and employees during the recent convocation program at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan.
PA Peligro stressed President Aquino has been trying to regain the trust and confidence of the people on the government service.
According to him, it is, therefore, incumbent upon every public official and employee to do his or her share in bringing back the prestige of being a public servant.
Peligro made the statement in response to the presentation of Provincial Auditor Susan Querequincia, who emphasized the norms and conduct of public officials and employees.
Citing Section 4 of Republic Act 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical standards for Public Officials and Employees, Querequincia underscored that government officials and employees should demonstrate utmost commitment to public interest, political neutrality, responsiveness to the public, nationalism and patriotism, and simple living, among others.
Querequincia also pointed out the great responsibility of heads of government agencies in “ensuring efficiency, economy, and effectiveness in the operations of the government.”
Peligro said the President’s crusade against graft and corruption, his noble thrust to uplift the poor condition of the people, as well as his program on public-private partnership to generate investments and jobs jibed well with the programs of Governor Rodolfo del Rosario in the next three years.
He said Gov. del Rosario has long implemented reforms in governance, as evidenced by its inclusion in the nine-point RDR WHEELS development agenda of the governor during his previous term.
As a gesture of support to Aquino’s effort of bringing a new era of good governance and reforms, the provincial administrator said the governor has implemented on his new term cost reductions and revenue generating measures in the provincial government.
Part of the austerity measures of the province include the moratorium on unnecessary travels of provincial officials and employees to other parts of the country.
Peligro also reminded all Capitol offices of the proper use of government vehicles, which must be strictly utilized for official business only.
He said all departments are also mandated to deposit their assigned motor vehicles at the Capitol compound during weekends.
