Around Eighty- three (83) employees of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI were recognized and awarded for their years of service in the department and for their vital contribution in the attainment of DENR’s goals and accomplishments throughout the years.

The Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) of the department gave “Service Awards” for 60 employees who rendered 20-45 years of service for the department. The longest so far was Corazon D. Ignacio, Forest Ranger from CENRO Sara who rendered 45 years in Government Service.

The number of Service Awards given to the employees from the regional office and per province are as follows: seven (7) employees from DENR Regional Office VI, twelve (12) from Iloilo, eleven (11) from Aklan, nine (9) from Antique, two (2) from Capiz, six (6) from Guimaras, and thirteen (13) from Negros Occidental.

A Special Recognition was also given to Dr. Alicia L. Lustica, Chief, Science Research Specialists/Center Head for Coastal Resources and Ecotourism Research, Development and Extension Center (CRERDEC) covering three (3) regions in Visayas - Regions 6,7 & 8. Dr. Lustica retired from service last December 2021 with 35 years of selfless service.  

A total of five (5) employees also received special awards for pursuing their personal growth and for completing their graduate and post-graduate degrees at their own personal expense, thereby enhancing their knowledge and skills in their respective office for the benefit of the department.

Eighteen (18) employees who retired from their service were also recognized by the department for their contribution and unparalleled dedication to the organization.

Regional Executive Director (RED) Livino B. Duran gave his appreciation to the awardees during his speech in the Pasidungog 2022.

“I want to thank you all for your contributions with the DENR, particularly in Western Visayas. Thank you for all your hard work and service for the department and for the people of Western Visayas. Pasidugong 2022 will now evolve as a traditional activity here in our region because we wanted really to honor our employees and our personnel in the department and to give incentives. I hope this will become an inspiration for us all to serve more and do better,” said RED Duran.

The awarding was held during DENR’s Pasidungog 2022 and Culminating Activity for the celebration of the Environment Month with the theme: “Askyon Para Sa Natatanging Mundo”. It aims to recognize the hard work and service of officials and employees to encourage efficiency and productivity in the public service./DENR 6