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PUBLIC SERVICE IS A PUBLIC TRUST

Remarks of Lt General Oscar H Rabena AFP CG, PAF

Flag raising, 14 Sep 09

Amenities

HONORING OUR CIVIL SERVANTS

The month of September is as significant as our keenness about Christmas. This month marks the 109^th anniversary celebration of Philippine Civil Service; a wonderful occasion and auspicious time to honor the modern day heroes who through the years, have uphold the lofty standards and virtues expected of a public servant.

Today, we honor in our midst our civil servants who have extended their caring hands and faithful disposition to the Philippine Air Force. I am fully aware of the tremendous amount of sacrifice that each one of you have to bear in order to serve the many and bear the brunt of giving our people the service that they deserve-honest, professional and a heart for compassion. I salute you all and I hope that you will never get tired of reaching out to our people by helping create a safe haven that is peaceful and ideal for development and progress.

Palakpakan po natin lahat ang ating mga bayaning kawani ng pamahalaan!

Sa ating mga bayaning lingcod ng bayan, katuwang ninyo ang Hukbong Panghimpapawid ng Pilipinas sa adhikaing mabigyan ang bawat isang Pilipino ng ganap na pagsisilbi at maisakatuparan ang kani-kanilang mga pangarap!

But then, we have to stand guard and be vigilant at our ways and norms because we are role models to our society that we are gradually molding. You may be reluctant in some ways but be conscious of the fat that there should never be a reluctant role model because whether we like or not we embody something larger and bigger that us all. The public that we serve are the same people that will determine the sincerity and honest commitment of the institution that we represent and the government in general. Now more than ever, the clamor for honest governance resonates like the indomitable engines of a jumbo jet at take off. And we, can do so much to convey the message that as servants of the people, what we give is truthful service, genuine commitment and mutual respect that works best when public and government unite as one for the good of our country and for posterity. Einstein once quipped that, “only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” This defines us, a servant that sees opportunity not in monetary terms, but the opportunity to help those that need it, because progress is only plausible through good governance. It depends upon more of the “we” and less of the “I”, it depends upon embracing people’s interests and not giving up on them and it depends upon the trust that our people give us because we learn from the hallowed history of the past that trust is not given, it is earned.

A ZEALOUS AND A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

“Honoring our heroes in Republic Service – Responsive, Ethical Public servants with Vision, Impact, Commitment and Excellence” – the 109^th anniversary theme captures the zealous pledge of those who have chosen to serve the majority instead of basking in the realms of the more financially-rewarding life of private duties. The Air Force honors you all, our modern-day heroes in commemorating this highly-significant occasion! In today’s seemingly unforgiving environment, where people’s inclination for more prosperous gains have been so obvious due to economic difficulties, you all offer a sigh of relief because it gives us all hope that in this imperfect world there are still people who are willing to offer themselves to give that perfect service to God, country and people. You are all a rarity hence, to recognize your invaluable service is the lest that we can do after all those years and months spent for the benefit of our nation.

CONCLUSION

Finally, as we stand here today, I am glad that we are intertwined by the same values and creeds integrity, selfless service, teamwork, excellence and professionalism. So long as we hold firmly unto our hands these virtues, so long as we let these ideals get the better of us, then I am more than confident that we can brave whatever storm that comes ad passes, for we, are more than ready to face the challenges as servants of our people. Remember that even the Scripture ennoble those who look at others well-being before their own. The book of Matthew assures that, “…many who are first will be last and many who are last shall be first.”

Salamat sa lahat ng ating lingkod bayan! Happy Civil Service Month! From the bottom of my heart, thank you…Thank you so much for your service! God bless you all! Good morning!