Written by: Lotis M. Balala

Padayon Beterinaryo of the Visayas State University (VSU) has been recognized as the 2025 Regional Gawad Pagasa Awardee under the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Search for Outstanding Government Workers. The team was honored for its remarkable teamwork, innovation, and unwavering commitment to public service.

Composed of Dr. Harvie P. Portugaliza, Dr. Lotis M. Balala, Dr. John Philip Lou M. Lumain, Dr. Ana Marquiza M. Quilicot, and Dr. Agnes M. Taveros, Padayon Beterinaryo leads the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FVM) in shaping veterinarians as leaders in both government and private sectors, while advancing veterinary education, biodiversity conservation, and community empowerment across the Visayas region.

Padayon Beterinaryo members: Dr. Portugaliza, Dr. Balala, Dr. Taveros, Dr. Quilicot, and Dr. Lumain.

Among their transformative initiatives include helping produce 43 percent of the Visayas’ newly licensed veterinarians, including 15 board topnotchers and over 20 graduates now serving in key leadership positions in public and private institutions. It has contributed to the significant milestone of FVM’s AACCUP Level IV re-accreditation in 2024 and CHED Certificate of Program Compliance in 2020, solidifying VSU’s reputation for academic excellence.

The team continues to expand VSU’s regional and global reach through collaborations with leading universities and research institutions across Asia, Australia, the United States, and Europe. Beyond the classroom, Padayon Beterinaryo champions the One Health approach, food security, and biodiversity conservation, driving research on antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, food safety, animal welfare, and African Swine Fever.

They are also lauded for delivering veterinary services to underserved communities, training farmers and local government partners to improve animal health, strengthen livelihood resilience, and respond effectively to disasters, thus contributing to a safer, greener, and healthier Philippines.

The awarding ceremony took place during the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA) celebration titled “Pasasalamat at Pagkilala: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Lingkod at Katuwang sa Serbisyong Publiko” held on October 3, 2025, at the Ballroom Hall of Leyte Normal University, Tacloban City.

Padayon Beterinaryo receiving the award during the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary at LNU.

A day earlier, on October 2, 2025, the team also received a Plaque of Recognition from VSU, given by Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes during the culmination of the university’s month-long observance of the PCSA Anniversary, held at the VSU RDE Hall.

Padayon Beterinaryo receiving the Plaque of Recognition from VSU given by the VSU Presidents and Vice Presidents.

The Gawad Pagasa Award is one of the highest honors conferred by the Civil Service Commission to government workers, individual or group, whose outstanding performance, creativity, and dedication have resulted in exemplary contributions to public service.

Through the team’s shared vision and dedication, Padayon Beterinaryo exemplifies the heart of public service, integrating science with compassion and innovation to uplift the lives of both people and animals.

[This article aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals: No. 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, No. 4 – Quality Education, No. 15 – Life on Land, No. 13 – Climate Action, No. 17 – Partnership for the Goals].

 

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