President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday paid tribute to government employees, recognizing them as the “heart of the government” for their vital contributions to public service marked by dedication, integrity, and compassion.

In a message read by Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto during the Pagpupugay 2025: Gawad Lingkod Bayani ceremony at Malacañan Palace, the President lauded civil servants who work quietly behind the scenes in the service of the Filipino people and the nation.

“Ipinagdiriwang natin sa araw na ito, ang puso ng pamahalaan. Ang mga kawaning tahimik na naglilingkod para sa sambayanang Pilipino at sa bansa (Today, we celebrate the heart of the government — the employees who silently serve the Filipino people and the country),” Marcos said in his message.

The President underscored the crucial role of public servants in nation-building, noting that their hard work and integrity strengthen public trust and improve the delivery of essential government services.

Addressing the awardees, Marcos said they embody the enduring spirit of honest and faithful service in government.

“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 (To all those receiving honors today, you are proof that the spirit of sincere public service is alive in our government. Amid the darkness and the noise, you are threads of light that give hope to our people),” the President said.

He added that the awardees demonstrate that many government employees remain committed to doing good, even without public recognition.

“You are proof that one does not need fame to serve the country. At whatever level of responsibility, each person has the capacity to serve with dignity,” Marcos said.

The Gawad Lingkod Bayani, led by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), recognizes government employees for their outstanding contributions to the economy and society, notable achievements, and steadfast adherence to the highest ethical standards.

The awards are conferred under three categories: the Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo, Gawad Dangal ng Bayan, and Gawad Pag-asa.

This year, a total of 24 individuals and six teams were honored.

Awardees received gold medals, plaques, and cash incentives ranging from P100,000 to P200,000. Some honorees also became eligible for automatic promotion and scholarships for themselves or their beneficiaries.

Marcos expressed his gratitude to the awardees for exemplifying integrity, diligence, and concern for others, urging them to continue upholding excellence, discipline, and patriotism in the performance of their duties.

“Sa ngalan ng sambayanang Pilipino, maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong katapatan, sipag, at malasakit. Patuloy ninyong isabuhay ang diwa ng bagong Pilipino – disiplinado, mahusay, at mapagmahal sa bayan (On behalf of the Filipino people, thank you very much for your loyalty, hard work, and compassion. Continue to live out the spirit of the new Filipino — disciplined, excellent, and devoted to the nation),” the President said.