By Kenneth Marcos 
Under bright lights and warm applause, government workers gathered with quiet pride as their names were called one by one. For many, it was a rare moment to step out from behind desks and fieldwork and be recognized for years of service to the public and the environment.
One of the key highlights of the DENR-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) General Assembly 2025 was the PRAISE Awarding Ceremony, short for the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence. The annual event honors employees, offices, and units that have shown outstanding performance, dedication, and meaningful contributions to public service and environmental protection.
The ceremony was led by Regional Executive Director Atty. Michael Drake P. Matias and Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Engr. Henry P. Pacis. Both officials emphasized that recognizing good work helps build a strong culture of integrity, professionalism, and commitment within the agency.
In his message, Matias said the PRAISE Awards are not just about trophies or certificates. They are a reminder that honest and hardworking public service still matters, especially at a time when government institutions are expected to deliver faster, better, and more transparent services to the people.
Several types of awards were given during the ceremony. Special Awards were presented to offices and individuals who showed exceptional initiative and excellence beyond their regular duties. These included efforts that improved systems, strengthened environmental programs, or brought innovative solutions to long-standing challenges.
The Achievement Award was given to employees who delivered remarkable results or made significant contributions in their respective roles. Many of the awardees were involved in projects related to environmental monitoring, urban greening, waste management, and enforcement of environmental laws in Metro Manila.
Another highlight was the Sikap-Aral Award, which recognized employees who successfully completed further studies while continuing to work full-time. The award honors discipline and determination, showing that learning and public service can go hand in hand.
Also recognized were recipients of the Best in Attendance Award. These employees demonstrated a high level of discipline and reliability through consistent and punctual attendance, a simple but important factor in delivering uninterrupted public service.
The ceremony also honored Environment and Natural Resources Academy (ENRA) Awardees. These are officials and staff who completed ENRA training programs, which aim to strengthen skills and knowledge in environmental management, leadership, and policy implementation. Their completion of the program reflects a commitment to continuous learning and better stewardship of natural resources.
For many employees, the event served as renewed motivation. Working in environmental protection often means long hours, field exposure, and limited public recognition. The PRAISE Awards remind workers that their efforts are seen and valued.
DENR-NCR officials said the awarding ceremony is meant to inspire the entire workforce to maintain high standards of service. The goal is to further strengthen environmental programs and improve services that directly affect communities across Metro Manila.
As the assembly ended, the message was clear: caring for the environment starts with empowered and dedicated public servants. Recognizing their efforts is one step toward building a more sustainable and accountable future for the region.
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