NEDA Regional Director Casimira V. Balandra (2nd from left) of Cagayan de Oro City was awarded the 2006 Presidential Lingkod Bayan, the highest recognition in the government service by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). Balandra is one of the seven recipients of the said award for her outstanding work performance or contribution to the country that bears nationwide impact on public interest, security and patrimony. Around 151 individuals and groups were nominated for the coveted award. Other awards given during the event were the Civil Service Dangal ng Bayan and Pagasa Awards. The awarding rites dubbed Parangal Pasasalamat was held recently at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Present during the event was NEDA Assistant Director-General E. Marcelina Bacani (1st from left) who read the citation reflecting Balandra’s accomplishments. Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita (3rd from left), former Commission on Elections Chairman Christian Monsod (4th from left), and Civil Service Commission Chairperson Karina Constantino-David (5th from left) presented the award to Balandra. The Lingkod Bayan, Dangal ng Bayan, and Pagasa Awards rite is one of the highlights of the month-long celebration of the CSC’s 106th anniversary.