For the employees of Marikina Polytechnic College, public service is about more than official positions, salary grades, or awards. Public service is about the quiet, daily work imbued with puso, dangal, and galing. This ethos took center stage at the “Piyesta sa Sintang Dalubhasaan,” the culmination of MPC’s month-long Philippine Civil Service Commission celebration at the 5th Floor Events Center on September 28, 2026. Coinciding with the observance of National Teachers’ Month, the event served a dual purpose, celebrating public servants while honoring the educators and academic support staff driving higher education forward.
College President Dr. Rene M. Colocar described the celebration as an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of educators and staff who are committed to work even despite the demands of being a public servant. According to Pres. Colocar, compassion, integrity, and continuous improvement contribute to the successful development of the college.
“We are a family. And like any family, we experience ups and downs. But through it all, we remain united by our shared mission,” Pres. Colocar said. “Ang tunay na pakikipagkapwa ay isang uri ng pagpapakita na mayroon kang dangal sa iyong sarili. Gaano ka katotoo sa iyong kapwa? Gaano ka tumutulong? Gaano ka nagsisikap upang ibangon ang iyong kapwa? ’Yan ay pagpapakita ng iyong dangal. At ang galing, hindi lamang ito sinusukat sa larangan ng kakayahan na mag-isip, kundi sa anumang paraan ng paglilingkod. Maliit man ’yan o malaki, ’yan ay binibigyan ng halaga,” President Colocar added.
For many personnel, living out these values means acting without being told and without the expectation of recognition of such actions.
Ms. Nelia G. Serrano of the General Services Office noted that ‘puso’ manifests in proactive care for the institution. “Even when no one sees me, I do my tasks for the school, for MPC,” she shared, describing instances where she takes on responsibilities beyond her official scope to keep operations running smoothly.
For Ms. Lourie Mae C. Luzano of the Quality Assurance Office, ‘galing’ is directly linked to being accountable to the students and stakeholders. “As a public servant, galing means that our service must be fast, organized, and of a decent quality for our clients,” Ms. Luzano explained.
Professor Sharon A. Rosario defined dangal as unyielding integrity. “Honor is serving the nation faithfully,” Prof. Rosario remarked, citing the need to remain steadfast despite the ethical trials and challenges common to public administration and academic life.
Dr. Joemel V. Bautista, Vice President for Corporate Services, highlighted the role of unsung workers, encouraging staff and faculty to view routine duties as vital threads in a broader national mission. “What we need are hearts with compassion, honor with conviction, and excellence with the purpose of serving,” VP Bautista said in his opening address.
Attorney Jason Demetri O. Benitez, Director for Human Resource Development Office and Legal Advisor, called on the MPC community to consider public service as a way of demonstrating their love for the country. “Public service is not just a collection of administrative tasks or professional duties. It is a daily, deliberate act of patriotism,” Atty. Benitez said.
At the closing of the ceremony, Dr. Glen R. Mangali, Vice President for Academic, Technical, and Skills Development, used the metaphor of a colored mural to explain the workforce’s idea. “You do not have to be the biggest part to be an important part,” VP Mangali reminded the audience and pointed out that it is not the visibility or status of the employee that is of great importance.
The gathering, hosted by Dr. Menere R. Nasiad, also served as a venue to celebrate workplace camaraderie and creativity through several award categories: Special Presidential Awards: Certificates of Appreciation and cash prizes were handed out for exemplary dedication and community spirit. Recipients were Mr. Randy M. Ballesteros (Laging Maaasahan Award), Ms. Ira M. Enriquez (Good Vibes Ambassador), Prof. Marcela M. Bungag (Walang Iwanan Award), Ms. Jonna Lyn B. Dalumpines (Tahimik Pero Subok Award ), and Dr. Renylin M. Udaundo (MPC Spirit Award), among others. Office Mural Competition: The Records and Information Center clinched the championship with a top score of 96.4 percent, followed by the External Linkages and Internationalization Office with a total score of 95.4 percent, and the Institute of Engineering with a total score of 93 percent. Best Dressed Awards: Faculty members Prof. Rialita A. Villareña, Prof. Daisy L. Borbe, Prof. Aurora T. Olegario, and Dr. Rudy James D. Tabasa were recognized in the teaching category alongside non-teaching staff awardees Ms. Lois Ruth Monica R. Respito, Joanna Joy M. Enriquez, Jeanny Rose D. Blanza, Reniemhil Grace P. Bides, Aldrin A. Boholano, Adrian Bernard V. Rumbaoa, and Engr. Rommel A. Leviste.
Photos by Media Bureau
More photos to see here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19IpqfMekpXNjBcXqhjSfc4cxXD58cOsb?usp=drive_link
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