‘Humble driver’ from DOST Western Visayas earns top civil service honor

A longtime driver of the Department of Science and Technology Western Visayas was among the recipients of the 2025 Gawad Lingkod Bayani awards, one of the country’s highest honors for public servants.

“Even the smallest cog can drive the largest wheel.”

Cornelio T. Mabera, an Administrative Aide VI at DOST Western Visayas, received the award during Pagpupugay 2025: Parangal sa mga Lingkod Bayan held at Malacañan Palace on 28 January 2026.

The conferment was led by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., alongside Civil Service Commission Chairperson Marilyn Barua-Yap, Commissioner Ryan Alvin R. Acosta, and Commissioner Luis Meinrado Pañgulayan.

Mabera was among 10 individual awardees recognized under the Gawad Dangal ng Bayan category for extraordinary acts of public service and consistent adherence to ethical standards set under Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

As a recipient of the country’s top civil service honor, Mabera received a trophy, a gold-gilded medallion from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, a P200,000 cash incentive, and an automatic promotion to the next higher position or its equivalent salary increase.

The DOST said Mabera’s work has generated significant government savings throughout his more than 35 years of service at DOST Western Visayas. His performance led to his promotion to Administrative Aide IV in 2009 and later to Administrative Aide VI in 2024. Aside from his role as a full-time driver, he also served as assistant head of the General Services Section.

As the assigned driver of the regional director, Mabera regularly interacts with senior government officials and visiting dignitaries. Despite this, the agency noted that he has consistently demonstrated humility, professionalism, and trustworthiness in his work.

DOST Western Visayas said Mabera’s recognition highlights that meaningful contributions to public service can come from any level of government service, regardless of position or title.

The regional office extended its congratulations to Mabera, citing his dedication, integrity, and exemplary service as a source of pride for the entire DOST family and Western Visayas.