AWAY FROM THE ignoble performance of high-ranking officials in government and even lawmakers in both Houses of Congress now embroiled in the flood control scandal, there still exist lawmakers for their sterling work and transformative leadership.
For one, former governor and current Northern Samar representative Edwin Ongchuan received two presidential recognitions for his effort to improve the business climate and for pioneering the Local Green Lanes for Strategic Investments in his province.
In Eastern Visayas, where there are 136 municipal local chief executives (LCEs), 7 city LCEs and 6 provincial LCEs, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) chose Ongchuan as the awardee of the 2025 Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo, one of the highest honors bestowed upon public officials in the country.
The recognition significantly strengthened Northern Samar’s investment landscape through a combination of strategic policies, inclusive programs and dedicated peace-building efforts.
A standout initiative when he was governor was the Kauswagan Village, a project that not only provided housing but also integrated livelihood opportunities for residents that wove together the threads of peace, stability and economic empowerment, elevating Northern Samar as an emerging hub for sustainable development in the region.
According to the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO) led by it’s director John Allen Berbon, the award marks a significant milestone in the province’s investment journey.
The Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo is awarded to exceptional public servants whose contributions embody integrity, excellence, and unwavering dedication to the Filipino people.