Calbayog City launches Citizens' Charter

Mayor Mel Sarmiento as he handed a copy of the Calbayog Citizens' Charter to CSC Assistant Commissioner Anicia Marasigan - De Lima. In photo are (l-r) Councilor Florencio Enriquez, CSC-Samar Director Michael De La Cruz, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, Mayor Sarmiento, Commissioner De Lima and CSC RO-8 Director David Cabanag, Jr.

Calbayog officially launched its Citizens charter on May 8, 2009, making her the first city in Region 8 to do so. The event was held during a ceremonial cutting of the Red Tape at the La Milagrosa Academy Auditorium. Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino led the LGU officials and employees in the activity which was graced by no less than the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Assistant Commissioner Anicia Marasigan - De Lima.

Also present in the event which was attended by City Hall employees and Barangay officials were Councilors Noel Sermense, Ver Porlares and Florencio Enriquez; and Civil Service Commission officials namely CSC Region 8 Regional Director David Cabanag, Jr., Director Marilyn Taldo, CSC-Samar Director Michael De La Cruz, CSC-Northern Samar Director Rey Albert Uy and CSC-Eastern Samar Director Emmanuel Fuentes.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento receiving a Plaque of Commendation from CSC Assistant Commissioner Anicia Marasigan - De Lima. The plaque cited the City Mayor for making Calbayog the first city in Region 8 to launch its Citizens' charter. In photo are Councilor Florencio Enriquez, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, Mayor Sarmiento, Commissioner De Lima, CSC RO-8 Director David Cabanag, Jr., Director Marilyn Taldo and Director Michael De La Cruz.

The Charter was put in place in compliance to RA 9485. It puts together a comprehensive host of mechanisms, systems and programs that give teeth to government efforts to stamp out inefficiency and corruption in public service. It is a listing of processes in the local government unit. It shows proper process in availing of a specific government service. It also includes price listing of payments and correct procedures in maintaining ratings of services.