By: PNA and Jaimie Rose A. Aberia
Manila Mayor Joseph E. Estrada reassured city hall employees yesterday that they would not be laid off as long as they fulfill their duties with highest dedication.
In his speech during the awarding of Manila’s outstanding employees – part of the weeklong celebration of the 446th Araw ng Maynila – Estrada reiterated that he is not a “benggador” or a person that habitually exacts revenge.
“Napatunayan ko na sa inyong lahat na si Mayor Erap ay hindi benggador. At naipakita ko na sa inyong marunong akong tumupad sa pinangako,” Estrada told city hall employees.
“By this time, it must be very clear to all of you that I meant what I said before: For as long as you perform your duties, and perform them with utmost integrity and honesty, then you need not have fears about keeping your jobs,” he added.
Since he assumed office in 2013, Estrada stressed that he never terminated, transferred or replaced employees identified with the previous administrations or those who supported rival candidates in the elections.
He admitted he was just “saddened” that there were still a few who continued to sabotage the many programs and projects he started implementing since 2013.
These include employees deliberately delaying the processing of vital documents, those charging fees from residents availing themselves of the city government’s free medical services, and those spreading destructive rumors that erode the Manileños’ trust on him.
He said such actions could not be allowed to continue. “Bukod sa mali, nagiging sanhi pa ito ng dagdag-problema sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan na nangangailangan ng tulong at pagkalinga.”
Estrada congratulated the 10 Outstanding Employees and recipients of Service Loyalty awards for their exemplary work and “showing the citizens of this city that we in government are not just employees, but public servants.”
“This is one occasion that truly brings honor to our city,” he said. “As model employees, I hope that you can set a good example that others can follow.”
“We need people like you to show others how much a person can accomplish with hard work, commitment, and integrity dedication, and the right attitude,” Estrada said.
The 10 outstanding city hall employees are Anabel Ayong, Department of Public Services; Reynaldo de Guzman, Department of Engineering and Public Works; Diosdado Familaran; Barbara Gitgano, DPS; Socorro Meneses, DPS; Roberto Orallo, DEPW; Dr. Maria Nanette Pagalan, Sta. Ana Hospital; Avelino Resuena, DEPW; Priscilla Tagalag, DPS; and Dr. Maria Cecilia Tolentino of Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center.
The employees were nominated by their department heads and thoroughly screened by the Rewards and Recognition Committee of the City Personnel Office, CPO chief Migs Alonzo said. Each received a plaque and P10,000 cash, Alonzo added.
“They were the best of the best, and have shown admirable passion in doing their job and serving the public,” Alonzo said.