MESSAGE OF CHAIRPERSON KARLO A. B. NOGRALES
2nd Philippine Civil Service Modernization Project Preparation Mission
5 April 2024
A pleasant morning to all of you. I would like to acknowledge Commissioners Aileen Lourdes Lizada and Ryan Alvin Acosta; Assistant Commissioners Ariel Ronquillo, Jo Ann Burgos, Karin Litz Zerna, Judith Dongallo-Chicano, and Nerissa Canguilan; CSC officials and employees who are members of the different internal and technical working groups; the World Bank Team led by Davit Melikyan (Senior Public Sector Specialist and Task Team Leader), Zahid Hasnain (Lead Governance Specialist), Liennefer Penaroyo (Financial Management Specialist), Melissa Agustines Santiago Yan (Procurement Specialist), Catherine Joson-Mendoza (Consultant), Gilda Salud (Consultant), Marte Pocholo Lacson (Consultant), and Edwin Alzate (Consultant). Anita Sobjak (Senior Governance Specialist) Khuram Farooq (Senior Financial Management Specialist) and Jacqueline Pacampara (Team Assistant).
On behalf of the Civil Service Commission, I extend our warmest welcome to each and every one of you as we continue our transformative mission together through this 2nd Philippines Civil Service Modernization Project Preparation Mission which will run until April 12. Our shared endeavor is nothing short of groundbreaking: to pioneer the digital transformation of bureaucracy. At the heart of this project and this mission lies our commitment to harnessing the power of technology to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of bureaucratic systems. By leveraging digital tools and platforms, we aim to revolutionize the way governments operate, ensuring seamless service delivery, and empowering our stakeholders with unprecedented access to essential services.
Before I proceed to the rest of my piece for today, allow me to first mention and congratulate everyone for the two recent milestones that we accomplished together. First is the successful presentation of this project before the Department of Finance during the Pipeline Portfolio Meeting last March 20, 2024 and the submission of our Project Proposal to the National Economic and Development Authority just before the Holy Week. I was informed that the NEDA ICC Core Secretariat already provided their initial feedback and I see this activity as an avenue to comply with these feedback. This mission came at the right time as this is aimed to: 1) Support the CSC and the DBM in preparing technical clarifications to potential questions on the submitted proposal, which may be related to integration of payroll with HR modules, implementation sequencing, and the associated regulatory and business process reforms; 2) Advance the diagnostic work to ensure timely preparation and processing of the project documentation within the World Bank (in particular, the Project Appraisal Document); and 3) Plan the initial technical assistance to enable early commencement of the information technology procurement under the project.
As you all know, I have a little experience working with the World Back so I know that this is not an easy task but throughout this journey, let our collaboration be our cornerstone. Our time together will be marked by intensive discussions and focused deliberation as we work tirelessly to refine and solidify the project proposal. We will have to anticipate the necessary steps and possible challenges so we can successfully get the endorsements of the NEDA ICC Technical Board and the Cabinet Level, and ultimately the nod of both the NEDA and World Bank Boards. As such, I encourage everyone to bring forth your unique insights and ideas, while fostering an environment of open dialogue, creativity, and mutual respect.
That said, I trust that all will stay focused, stay motivated, and stay united throughout the rest of the pockets of activities for this mission. Together, we will surmount any challenges that come our way and succeed our shared goal to modernize the civil service. Your dedication and commitment are invaluable, and I have no doubt that together, we will have this project approved within the year.
Thank you very much and I look forward to a productive mission ahead!