Bernie Anabo Jr.
Atty. Geoff De Vera, Jec Luzano put “SERVICE WITH PURPOSE” on center stage
PUBLIC service is not measured by speeches alone.
It is measured by leadership, discipline, competence—and the ability to make government work for the people.
That was the unmistakable message at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) when Section 2, under the leadership of Section Chief Jec Luzano, took center stage in the Flag Raising Ceremony.
And with MICP District Collector Atty. Geoff De Vera at the helm, the ceremony became more than just another Monday morning obligation.
It became a statement.
A statement that Customs personnel can be professionals, public servants and proud Filipinos at the same time.
NOT JUST A FLAG CEREMONY!
The celebration of Filipino culture through the dances of Ifugao, Maria Clara and Sinulog transformed the usual Monday gathering into a vibrant display of the country’s rich heritage.
From the mountains of the Cordilleras to the elegant traditions of the Spanish era and the colorful festivities of Cebu, the message was powerful:
Different cultures. One nation. One flag. One public service.
That kind of symbolism matters inside an institution as important—and as closely watched—as the Bureau of Customs.
MICP is not an ordinary workplace.
It is one of the country’s major gateways for international trade and revenue collection.
Every decision, every transaction and every act of professionalism inside its walls can have consequences far beyond the port.
That is why leadership matters.
And this is where Atty. Geoff De Vera deserves the spotlight.
DE VERA: LEADERSHIP MUST BE FELT, NOT JUST SEEN
A district collector carries a responsibility that goes beyond signing documents and presiding over meetings.
He sets the tone.
He establishes the standard.
He reminds personnel that public office is a public trust.
Under De Vera’s leadership at MICP, activities such as the Flag Raising Ceremony can become opportunities to reinforce organizational values, recognize personnel and remind everyone that government service is ultimately about the Filipino people.
But let us be blunt:
The public does not need government employees who merely occupy chairs.
The public needs officials who deliver.
Officials who lead.
Officials who understand that every day in government is another day of being accountable to the people.
JEC LUZANO: SECTION 2 STEPS UP
Credit must likewise go to Section Chief Jec Luzano and the people of Section 2.
Taking the lead in the FRC was not simply about organizing a program.
It was an opportunity to demonstrate teamwork, initiative and pride in public service.
The sharing of information regarding the Career Service Eligibility–Preference Rating (CSE-PR) was particularly significant for government employees.
With the reported change under CSC Resolution No. 2600729, reducing the required aggregate government service from 10 years to five years for covered government workers—subject to its official publication, effectivity and implementing guidelines—the message to employees is clear:
Know your rights. Know the rules. Prepare your documents.
Service records, performance ratings, examination results and other supporting documents should be reviewed by those who may potentially qualify under the new requirement.
And that is precisely the kind of information that government personnel need—not empty rhetoric, but information that can actually affect their careers.
Section 2 also shared the important announcement concerning the rescheduled August 2026 Civil Service Examination, now set for November 22, 2026, following its postponement due to inclement weather.
Information is power.
And in government, proper information can mean opportunity.
THE REAL MEASURE OF CUSTOMS
There is always intense scrutiny whenever the Bureau of Customs is mentioned.
Collections are watched.
Operations are watched.
Personnel are watched.
Leadership is watched.
And rightly so.
The BOC is entrusted with billions in government revenue and plays a critical role in protecting the country from prohibited and illicit goods.
So the challenge to every Customs official is simple:
Earn the public’s trust—not through slogans, but through results.
MICP, under Atty. Geoff De Vera, has the opportunity to demonstrate that professionalism and accountability can coexist with efficiency and strong leadership.
And Section 2, through Jec Luzano, has shown that even a simple Flag Raising Ceremony can become a platform for culture, information, teamwork and public service.
SERVICE IS NOT A COSTUME
Here is the bottom line:
Wearing a government ID does not automatically make someone a public servant.
Public service is a mindset.
It means helping a colleague.
It means sharing information.
It means doing the job correctly when nobody is watching.
It means refusing to compromise integrity for convenience.
It means understanding that the government office does not belong to the official sitting behind the desk.
It belongs to the Filipino people.
That is why the message coming from MICP deserves attention:
SERVE WITH PURPOSE.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE.
MAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE COUNT.
Strong words?
Absolutely.
But words become meaningful only when leadership turns them into action.
And at MICP, Atty. Geoff De Vera and Section Chief Jec Luzano has placed those words squarely in the spotlight.
Now comes the harder part:
Keep the standard high.
Keep the people accountable.
Keep the service moving.
Because in the Bureau of Customs, as in every government institution—
THE FLAG IS NOT JUST RAISED EVERY MONDAY.
THE STANDARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE MUST BE RAISED EVERY SINGLE DAY.
