By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside a conference hall in Clark, Pampanga, government workers listened closely as agencies were called one by one for recognition. For many in public service, these moments reflect years of effort to improve systems that often go unnoticed by the public but deeply affect daily government work.
The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) was among the government agencies honored at the Public Service Excellence Forum (PSEF) 2026, held on January 13 and 14 at Widus Hotel, Clark. NMIS received a Bronze Award for achieving Maturity Level II in its core human resource systems, marking a key milestone in strengthening how the agency manages and supports its workforce.
The two-day forum brought together public sector leaders to share innovations and best practices aimed at improving government service delivery. Discussions focused on building capable institutions, improving employee performance, and ensuring accountability in public offices.
During the event, NMIS was recognized as one of 18 government agencies that met the standards for Maturity Level II across four major human resource areas. These include Recruitment, Selection, and Placement; Learning and Development; Performance Management; and Rewards and Recognition. These systems are essential in ensuring that government employees are qualified, well-trained, fairly evaluated, and properly rewarded.
The Bronze Award was received by Officer-in-Charge Executive Director Dr. Roberto S. Umali, along with Officer-in-Charge of the Administrative Division Ms. Katheryn S. Perez. They were joined by members of the Human Resource Management Section, including Ms. Jannilyn S. Villaflor and Ms. Mary Rose T. Delijero, as well as Human Resource Development Unit representative Ms. Romadell M. Angeles.
Officials said the recognition reflects NMIS’ consistent efforts to improve its internal systems and promote a culture of professionalism and excellence. Strong human resource management, they noted, helps ensure that employees are motivated and capable of delivering quality public service.
NMIS plays a critical role in ensuring meat safety across the country, protecting public health and supporting the livestock industry. A reliable and skilled workforce is vital to its mandate, especially as food safety concerns grow alongside population and market demands.
The Bronze Award also builds on NMIS’ earlier achievement under the Civil Service Commission’s PRIME-HRM framework. On August 13, 2025, NMIS was officially recognized for reaching Maturity Level II under the enhanced Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management.
PRIME-HRM is a flagship program of the Civil Service Commission designed to help government agencies improve their HR systems. It promotes merit-based hiring, competence, and performance-driven governance, ensuring that public institutions serve citizens more effectively.
NMIS officials said the award is not the end goal, but a motivation to further improve systems and services. They emphasized that better HR practices lead to better inspection services, stronger food safety measures, and greater public trust.
As government agencies continue to reform and modernize, recognitions like this highlight the importance of investing in people behind public service. For NMIS, strengthening its workforce remains a key part of its commitment to ensure safe meat for all Filipinos.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News