MESSAGE OF CHAIRPERSON KARLO A. B. NOGALES
Rizal Day
30 December 2023

The Civil Service Commission joins the nation in honoring the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

Celebrating the life and legacy of our national hero should not be confined to quiet reflections about his extraordinary deeds and timeless words. His heroism should inspire us to find ways to live up to his ideals and make ourselves worthy heirs to a hard-fought freedom.

Rizal defended the country not through the might of a sword, but through the power of his pen and intellect. He championed the cause of our people through peaceful means, advocating for reforms to build a just and equal society. In the context of public service, this translates to an unshakable commitment to human rights and the rule of law – resisting corruption and upholding the highest ethical standards in the performance of duties. It means leading with compassion, empathizing with the plight of the less fortunate, and putting national interest above all else. It also demands innovation, continuously seeking ways to improve public services and strengthen government institutions to withstand social and political turmoil.

Like Rizal who fearlessly exposed the ills of his time, we must also hold ourselves and our fellow public servants accountable for every unlawful act and moral failure. We must critically examine existing rules and processes and eliminate those that impede public service delivery. We must constantly challenge the status quo and propose alternative solutions to drive progress. We should champion inclusivity in governance and ensure that every Filipino feels the impact of our efforts, regardless of their background or circumstance.

Let us not allow Rizal’s legacy to be reduced to mere museum exhibits and obligatory academic readings. Instead, let it be a vibrant flame that lights our path towards a brighter future that he dared to dream for his countrymen amidst the darkness of colonial rule. As public servants, we embrace our mandate to help turn his vision into reality.

Today, on the anniversary of his death, let us renew our commitment to live the values he stood and died for — excellence, integrity, and love of country. It is now our turn to be the heroes of our time, not through grand gestures, but by simply performing our daily duties to the best of our abilities, fully aware that the work of every civil servant is a valuable contribution to the duty of nation-building.

Mabuhay ang serbisyo publiko! Mabuhay ang mga lingkod bayani!