AS THE nation celebrates its 123rd Independence Day, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) cited the heroism of government frontliners who consistently perform their duties amid the risks from the COVID-19 pandemic as it rallied to remember the fallen civil servants who succumbed to the deadly virus.

CSC chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala said while Independence Day is a day of celebration and recollection of the service and sacrifices of the country’s heroes, “ we also remember our fallen civil servants, especially the doctors, nurses and other medical personnel who succumbed to COVID-19.”

She said the lives of these fallen people should be forever remembered as a testament of genuine selfless public service.

“These were the people who know the risks of reporting to work, but do so nonetheless because they know the importance of ensuring public service continuity especially this time of national crisis,” she said.

The CSC chief also cited the sacrifices made by state workers, whether in the public health or in other fields, who serve as essential staff or frontliners for their respective offices.

Recognizing the risks faced by government frontliners, the CSC urged government agencies to ensure that adequate occupational health and safety standards are installed and implemented to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of their employees.

Government agencies she added, must be clear about health and safety protocols at the workplace and make sure these are strictly and consistently implemented.

“When employees feel safe and secure at the workplace, they can focus more on performance and are able to support others who need help coping,” Dela Rosa-Bala added.

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Joel dela Torre