DAPA, SURIGAO DEL NORTE — Schools Division Office (SDO) of Siargao formally launched the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary on Monday, September 7, 2026, integrating the celebration into its regular Flag Raising Ceremony and Monday Morning Sharing.

Anchored on the national theme, “Bawat Kawani, Lingkod Bayani: Puso, Dangal, at Galing Para sa Bayan,” the event officially marked the start of a month-long tribute to the dedication and resilience of public servants.

Following operational updates from functional divisions, Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Manuel Caberte delivered a message reinforcing the importance of unity within the organization. Acknowledging the collective effort behind division milestones—including the successfully concluded Schools Division Athletic Meet (SDAM) 2026, supported by local government units—SDS Caberte illustrated the necessity of teamwork using a vivid analogy.

“Picture a chili shrub planted in a new garden. It bears so much fruit that everyone wants a piece of it — clearly, it’s useful. But despite being useful, it still gets pulled out of the pocket garden, because it simply doesn’t belong with the other plants there,” SDS Caberte shared.

He urged personnel to align their individual strengths with organizational goals:

“No matter how skilled you are, no matter how competent and useful you may be — if you don’t know how to be one with others, if your beliefs or direction differ from the goals of the organization, you run the risk of being let go. Not because you lack talent, but because you are not a team player.”

Connecting the lesson to the anniversary theme, SDS Caberte honored the educators and staff shaping young minds despite daily challenges, emphasizing that true service relies on both individual competence and unified purpose.

To solidify their dedication to ethical and excellent governance, SDS Caberte, alongside School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD) Chief Dr. Harem Labe Taruc and Curriculum Implementation Division (CID) Chief Dr. Gemna Tesiorna Gemparo, led employees in posting messages on the CSC Commitment Wall. SDS Caberte used his initials (MOC) to frame his personal pledge:

M – Magiging mabuting halimbawa (I will be a good example)

O – Obligasyon ko ang mag-alay ng aking puso, dangal, at galing (It is my obligation to offer my heart, honor, and excellence)

C – Conduct myself as a role model in the organization.

The kickoff program also featured the formal reading of the 126th CSC Anniversary Proclamation by Administrative Officer V, Catherine Landao, followed by the singing of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Hymn, led by Genesis Arcular Dhan Angcog Arcular.

The 126th anniversary commemorates the establishment of the Philippine Civil Service system on September 19, 1900, recognizing more than two million government workers nationwide.

In line with the CSC’s mandate to bolster employee engagement, DepEd Siargao will host division-wide activities throughout September focused on three main pillars:

Wellness: Activities promoting physical and mental health for teaching and non-teaching staff.

Camaraderie: Team-building initiatives aimed at strengthening cross-departmental collaboration.

Excellence: Capacity-building and recognition programs designed to uphold public service standards.

The month-long observance across the division will officially conclude on September 30, 2026.