BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Two Cordillerans received national recognition for government workers for their dedication and service in their respective professions and steadfast commitment to the highest ethical standards.
Divina Padsungay, midwife at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), was conferred with the 2025 Gawad Dangal ng Bayan Award while Florencio Bisares Rifareal Jr., the Project Development Officer II of the Department of Education – Bangued in Abra was awarded with the Gawad Pagasa Award.
Padsungay and Rifareal were among the 24 individuals and six groups awarded under Gawad Lingkod Bayani, formerly known as the Search for Outstanding Government Workers.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred the awards during the ‘Pagpupugay 2025: Parangal sa mga Lingkod Bayani’ at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
The Gawad Dangal ng Bayan is awarded to those who exemplify the norms of conduct under Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees while the Gawad Pagasa recognizes outstanding contributions of individuals or groups that benefit more than one government department.
BGHMC management extended its warmest congratulations to Padsungay for bringing pride and honor to the institution and for being an inspiration to health workers and public servants across the country.
“Padsungay’s recognition reflects her unwavering commitment to maternal and child health, compassionate care for patients, and faithful service to the community—values that embody the mission of BGHMC and the true spirit of public service. More than a personal achievement, this honor also reflects the collective dedication, integrity, and hard work of every BGHMC employee, who daily serve the public with the same spirit of excellence and compassion,” the BGHMC said in a statement.
Padsungay is the fifth BGHMC employee to be honored with the Gawad Dangal ng Bayan and the 8th national awardee from BGHMC since 2018.
Meanwhile, creativity, dedication, and charisma propelled the Abreño educator to bag the national Gawad Pag-asa Award.
Rifareal’s innovation, the “Cocomet,” a hard hat made from coconut shell and husk used by schools in Abra as a protective gear during earthquake drills and other emergencies, landed him national recognition in the annual search for outstanding government workers.
He was earlier commended by the DepEd Bangued West Central School family for his exemplary service, commitment, and unwavering dedication to the teaching force and the community which served as an inspiration to all.
“Truly, you embody the values of Puso, Dangal, at Galing Para sa Bayan.”
Pres. Marcos in his message delivered by ES Recto, emphasized the vital role of public servants in nation-building, noting that their hard work and integrity strengthen public trust and improve delivery of essential services.
“Para sa lahat ng tumanggap ng parangal ngayon, kayo ang patunay na ang diwa ng tapat na paglilingkod ay buhay sa ating pamahalaan. Sa gitna ng dilim at ingay, kayo ang hibla ng liwanag na nagbibigay pag-asa sa ating sambayanan.”
“Kayo ang patunay na maraming mabubuting empleyado sa ating pamahalaan. Kayo ang patunay na hindi kailangan maging tanyag upang tumulong sa bayan. At kayo ang patunay na anumang antas ng tungkulin, may kakayahan ang bawat isa na maglingkod ng may dangal,” the President stated. **JDP/RMC PIA-CAR / PCO
