Colleagues in government.

Today we are celebrating the 49th year of this distinguished and very important institution of our country. It is an institution that does not only insure deposits of the banking system, it is an institution that is charged with the stability of the national economy, and as such, is part of the very foundations of the socio-economic structure of the macro economy. As you very well know, without a strong foundation, balanced economic growth cannot be sustained and the economic well-being of the country cannot be assured.

As we pay tribute to the institution that we work for, it is time to pay tribute to the men and women who make it. In fact, we cannot pay tribute to one without paying tribute to the other because the institution is made by the workers who over the past 49 years have made their valuable contributions to making it nationally meaningful and effective institution that it is now. Yes, each and every one of you and those who have served before us have made our contributions. That DIFFERENCE that has enabled the PDIC to make that big difference in our economy. Of course, we pay special tribute on this special day to our awardees who celebrate today a landmark in their careers with PDIC.

As we talk of making a difference, I see how all and each of us make those little differences every day. The payout of that deposit claim that will pay for a child’s tuition, or buy that medicine, or pay the mortgage, makes a big difference for our stakeholders. And we make that extra mile so that one more, or two more and so on claimants do not have to wait a day longer for his much needed funds. This is our daily drama. However, what we do not see are the banks and the system that are healthy; and the role of PDIC and its employees and its Board to make it so. This is the drama that we do not see but is very real. This is the real big difference and it is that DIFFERENCE that we celebrate and are proud of today.

Finally, Ladies and Gentlemen of PDIC, let us celebrate over the next year the great opportunity to let the nation, no, the world know that civil service in the Philippines is and has always been a noble profession. The policy framework of the Aquino administration encourages, supports, and actually requires it. However, no prodding is needed of us to unleash the values to serve that is in our hearts. Let our energy and drive and pride showcase to the world what the PDIC and the Filipino civil servant stand for in the next year, and our next anniversary will truly be golden.

Happy Anniversary!

*Delivered during the 49^th Founding Anniversary of PDIC on June 22, 2012 at the 12/F SSS Penthouse, Makati City.