PANABO CITY – The Davao del Norte State College (DNSC)–Davao del Norte Learning Institute Management Team was conferred the Gawad Pagasa 2025, one of the country’s highest civil service honors, for pioneering the Special Program for Adult Education that addresses the lack of degree qualifications among long-serving government employees.
The award was presented during Pagpupugay 2025: Parangal para sa mga Lingkod Bayani, an event organized by the Philippine Civil Service Commission (CSC) to recognize outstanding government workers whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to nation-building create meaningful change.
The ceremony was held at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace, where Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., led the recognition of 24 individuals and six teams who received the nation’s civil service distinctions.
The award-winning management team is led by Dr. Mervin Jay Z. Suaybaguio, Provincial Information Officer of Davao del Norte, with members Florie Ann L. Fermil, Dean of the Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Good Governance; Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa, President of DNSC; and Lou Helen R. Tayone, Senior Administrative Assistant.
Through the Special Program for Adult Education, the team created an accessible pathway for government employees who were unable to complete formal degrees due to work and life circumstances. Since its implementation, nearly 400 public servants have graduated, resulting in improved job stability, career advancement, and strengthened public service delivery across the province.
