by Alex Roldan
It was a humbling experience, my being a member of the latest batch that was formally inducted into the Career Executive Service (CES) fraternity during the thanksgiving dinner offered for the purpose in Quezon City recently.
As the event progressed, my anxieties over being officially recognized as a Career Executive Eligible (finally, after almost four years) gradually subsided. I had thought at first that it was only the traditional giving of certificates and recognition rites and the usual banter of the inductees about their achievements and plans in their present positions. The usual blah, blah, blah of anything goes. I may be stereotyping, but I was expecting to see career officials who were swollen with pride, oozing with self-importance and the belief that, armed with CES eligibility, high government positions were already within their reach. I had the feeling that soon I would be out-of place.
But I was wrong. Everybody turned out to be very friendly, the secretariat was excellent, and most importantly the inductees greeted everybody like they were old friends. I mused: “Am I seeing a different community here?”
As my eyes scoured the room for anybody that I might recognize from Davao, my adrenalin rushed again as I knew nobody among the inductees. The only familiar face to me was Career Executive Service board member, Hon. Elmor D. Juridico, CESO II, who did my final interview. I believe he was responsible why my name being included in the resolution for the conferment of eligibility. I wanted to approach him, but decided to keep my distance instead. .
My experience totally debunked my thoughts of stereotype government officials (though I am with an LGU, I still have this eerie feeling of behaving as one). Instead, they came to the occasion as plain and simple career officials, not in flashy suits and gowns, and devoid of egotism. Everywhere, I saw faces aglow with pride for having hurdled the 4-series of tests and respect for everybody present who were like everyone else, eager to be part of the “CES community.”
The conversations were lively around the room, the topics being discussed almost identical. It was a sharing of experiences on how they made it to the final interview. I could sense self-respect in everyone, full of hope for productive careers in government, in what most believe as the “appropriate way” — work hard for it with the backing of not the high and mighty in government, but concrete proof of what they really are, their capabilities, and their potentials. The dignified way!
Yes, I found a community of career officials in government who firmly believe that governance can be improved within. People who choose to go the right way even how arduous the path is for the sole purpose of improving government service through proper selection of competent executives in the bureaucracy. People who work in government whose views are on the same wavelength as to what constitutes effective public service.
I attempted to find an explanation to what I was seeing. I groped for an explanation, but finally settled for the most logical: that these people were simply committed individuals. I could offer no more. And I may be right about that.
I asked one of the new eligibles I met, if he would attempt to apply for the directorship position in their region (for obvious reasons, I will not name the guy, the department and the region). He looked at me and gave me a straightforward reply. “That is not possible this time, binibili kasi yan, at ayaw kong ganyan.” I smiled and asked again: “Are you saying that the effort of Career Executive Service Board (CESB) to improve the executives in the government bureaucracy is not applicable to your agency? So, why did you bother to take the test?” He shook his head and replied emphatically, “No! I believe in the people behind CESB. I believe in their cause. I took the test because I believe that this is the best way. I am proud that despite all odds, I was able to make it to the CES community.” I told him, “I am grateful to have met a well-meaning person, and I am truly proud to be a part of this community,” referring to the people milling around the room.
It is worth noting that CESB led by Justice Bernardo Abesamis is relentless in its efforts to make CES as an effective mechanism to further improve the government service. I was inspired by the new TOYM awardee, Atty. Ma. Anthonette Velasco-Allones the CESB Executive Director who shared her thoughts and her personal struggles and sacrifices to streamline CES in the government bureaucracy.
The CES community, I am sure, is very proud of you.
For comments, e-mail to: roldanalex@yahoo.com
