Libanan makes it to top 8 in Lingkod-Bayan award

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Nonoy Libanan made it into the list of eight semi-finalists of the Presidential Lingkod-Bayan award from the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Libanan is the only presidential appointee to be nominated to the prestigious award this year.

“I am grateful to the CSC for this recognition. This has truly inspired me to continue to work harder in transforming our immigration service into a world-class and efficient agency worthy of our people’s pride and the respect of our foreign visitors,” Libanan said after he received a certification of recognition as semi-finalists held recently in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Libanan said he believes the recognition is a product of the serious and no-nonsense reforms that he initiated in the BI since he assumed office in May 2007.

“I thank President Arroyo for giving me the chance to serve the bureau and the opportunity to implement the programs that improved the quality of our services and modernized our operations,” he added.

The BI chief also thanked the rank-and-file of the BI for supporting his programs, such as the visa issuance made simple (VIMS) scheme, the pre-arranged visa upon arrival (PVUA) program, the special visa for employment generation (SVEG), the regionalization program, and the establishment of BI satellite offices.

Libanan was cited for his no-nonsense clean-up drive in the bureau which was previously alluded to as among the corrupt agencies in the government.

He was also been credited for stopping the notorious escort racket at the NAIA and for waging a relentless drive against human trafficking and illegal recruitment.

According to the CSC, the most outstanding public servant award is given to an individual or group of individuals for “extraordinary contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had nationwide impact on public interest, security and patrimony.”

Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chair Ricardo L. Saludo said: “We pay tribute to these exemplary civil servants who are the silent heroes of our bureaucracy. They are the testament of a responsive government that upholds the highest work and ethical standards.”

Aside from Libanan, the other semi-finalists are Daniel Tatato of the Philippine Air Force; Dr. Jose Narciso Melchor Sescon, Ospital ng Sampaloc; Josefina Martin, senior vice president of Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee; Atty. Nimfa Vilches, Supreme Court; Jesusa Antiquiera, Padre Gomez Elementary School; Gonzalo Benjamin Bongolan, Home Guaranty Corp.; Barangay Chairman Raulito Datiles of Bagumbayan, Proj. 4, Quezon City, and P/Supt. Pablito Cordeta of Bureau of Fire Protection.

Also to be conferred by the CSC to other recipients are the CSC Pagasa Award, Dangal ng Bayan Award, and the Public Service Delivery Audit (PASADA) or very good frontline service award. (BI News)