15 October 2026
Benguet State University hosted the Regional Workers Congress at the BSU Gymnasium, gathering government employee officers from Region 1, Region 2, and the Cordillera Administrative Region. The event carried the theme: “United Public Workers and Genuine Representation in PSLMC- our Response to Optimization Law.”
Philippine Government Employees Association (PGEA) spearheaded the event in coordination with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Department of Labor and Employment – Bureau of Labor Relations (DOLE-BLR).
BSU Government Employees Association President Donato Wanawan Jr. delivered the welcome remarks, expressing pride, excitement, and gratitude.
“Pride because I know each of you has been working hard in your own corner of the country, making a difference in ways that often go unseen. Excitement because this congress is our chance to come together, share our stories, and remind ourselves why we do what we do. And gratitude because moments like this, where we gather as one big family of public servants, do not happen every day,” he said.
Wanawan emphasized that the congress served as a vital platform for participants to learn from one another, collaborate, and initiate meaningful change in the communities they serve. He then challenged everyone to make the congress more than just a talk, hoping they leave with renewed energy, stronger professional networks, and practical solutions to bring back to their homes and offices.
VP for Business Affairs Josel M. Florentin, representing BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan, delivered an inspirational message. He emphasized the value of public service, saying it is more than just a job; it is a vocation that workers carry out with dedication.
Florentin also highlighted worker unity and rights, citing Executive Order No. 180, providing guidelines for the exercise of the right to organize of government employees, creating a public sector labor-management council, and for other purposes, and Republic Act No. 12231, an act optimizing the national government for efficient public service delivery. He urged attendees to set aside their differences and stand united, emphasizing that only a united workforce can make their voice strong.
“When public workers are united, no policy can silence us, and nobody can leave us behind,” he stated.
This was followed by solidarity messages delivered by government employee officers Christopher C. Bautista and Romulo Bumagat, and PGEA National President Esperanza S. Ocampo.
The first lecture was presented by PGEA Vice President Glen Pastorfide, who discussed ILO C151: Convention of the Labor Relations in the Public Service (Convention No. 151, 1978).
Philippine National AIDS Council Secretariat Employees Association President Fernando Depano also discussed Republic Act no. 12231, also known as the Government Optimization Act.
Afterwards, CSC Chief Personnel Specialist Ma. Mercedes B. Bulas discussed Public Sector Labor-Management Council concerns and its role in the election of sectoral representatives.
Ramon A. Saura of the DOLE-BLR presented the election guidelines and filing of candidacy. This was followed by the election proper, tallying of votes, and the proclamation of regional representative winners.
The event concluded with closing remarks from PGEA Education Officer Lylia Discartin, who congratulated the newly elected officers and commended the participants for their active presence until the end of the program. She also expressed optimism for more congresses in the future.//EBawayan