By Coleen Tala | Teacher III, KNHS

Continuing its outstanding commitment to promote service excellence in human resource management processes and practices, the Schools Division Office of Olongapo City (SDO-OC) received the Bronze Award in the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Office III.

All SDO personnel led by OIC- Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Imelda P. Macaspac and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent (ASDS) Maylene M. Minimo, and school heads and administrative staff from elementary and secondary schools received the award last December 21, 2023 at Subic Riviera Hotel and Residences.

As she gave her opening address, ASDS Minimo broke down in tears of joy and unending gratitude. She said that the SDO had begun as a humble idea but had grown through bravery and determination. She expressed her gratitude to former SDS Leilani Samson Cunanan and complimented all the staff members that supported each pillar, especially OIC-SDS Macaspac.

The said conferment was also graced by the presence of Olongapo City Mayor, Atty. Rolen C. Paulino Jr.

Atty. Paulino underscored the significance of the aforementioned award in enhancing the efficiency of the division’s operations, particularly in addressing the concerns of the teachers.  

“Lahat po ng mga pwede po nating gawin para mas convenient para sa mga teachers… quality of life and [good] work environment, gagawin po natin,” he said.

[We shall make every effort to ensure that the teachers have a convenient experience, be it by enhancing their work environment or increasing their quality of life.]

Additionally, he stated that the local government will consistently strive to assist the SDO in its endeavors to advance and elevate the standard of education within the city.

Meanwhile, in her congratulatory message, Atty. Rosalinda A. Tanaliga-Oliva, acting Director IV of CSCRO III, subsequently emphasized the support of the CSC Field Office (CSCFO) Zambales throughout the acquisition of the required documents. At the same time, she acknowledged that the procedure was rigorous and tedious for any office.

“Alam mo [ninyo], hindi naman kayo lulusot diyan kung hindi talaga maayos kasi iyang [mga assessors], mga matang lawin… metikolosa from the very small details, talagang tinitingnan,” Atty. Oliva pointed out.

[Extremely particular evaluators will not bestow the award upon the SDO if they do not satisfy the essential requirements. Carefully scrutinizing each and every aspect.]

After the messages, the resolution on accreditation was read by Randy C. Tababa, Director II of CSCFO Zambales. This was followed by the conferment of resolution by Atty. Oliva.

By the virtue of CSC Resolution No. 2301108 dated November 30, 2023, SDO-OC met the PRIME-HRM Level 2-Maturity Indicators of all the four (4) core HRM areas, namely Recruitment, Selection, and Placement (RSP), Learning and Development (L&D), Performance Management (PM), and Rewards and Recognition (R&R), during CSCRO III PRIME assessments.

The commission also assessed SDO-OC to be in compliance with civil service laws, rules, and regulations on appointment procedures and other HR programs, as well as its HR records management.

Having been conferred the PRIME-HRM Bronze Award, the CSC has granted privileges to the department such as an authority to approve appointments, subject to post audit, and an exemption from Section 96 of the 2017 Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Actions, among others.

CSC also gave the SDO with a 20% discount for the HRM Officer or one agency representative in training or conferences conducted by the Civil Service Institute, as well as a 20% discount for the HRM Office head or one agency representative attending in CSC Regional Offices training and seminars.

Furthermore, SDO-OC is now responsible for maintaining PRIME-HRM status at Level 2 and enhancing HRM systems to satisfy the maturity indicators of the next higher level.

In her acceptance address, after expressing her heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of SDO Olongapo City, OIC-SDS Macaspac stated confidently that the office will never tire of providing the utmost service to its clients.

“As a vow, DepEd Olongapo City will never rest of its laurels. It is our commitment that we will pursue for gold [award],” she said.

She also commended ASDS Minimo for sowing good seeds in the division and its employees, and she remarked that these people can function independently while carrying the inspiration and models she has provided. This is in relation to the forthcoming re-assignment of ASDS offices in the region.

Moreover, the SDO should continue to comply with civil service laws, rules, and regulations in the issue of appointments and the implementation of other HR actions, as well as collaborate with the CSC in assisting other agencies in developing or improving HRM systems.