Misamis Occidental – The Sangguning Panlalawigan Office embraces spiritual upliftment through an organized Prayer/Worship held every Monday after the Flag Raising Ceremony, and likewise, continues to uphold and implement the Provincial Government’s Moral Recovery Program through Values Formation Hour every week led by the NACPHIL, Mis. Occ. Chapter.
The SP Office Mission Statement declares that ”SP draws its strength from God in order to serve the people of Misamis Occidental, and is committed to effective and efficient public service.” Hence, this Office gives top priority to the spiritual and moral growth of its employees thereby encouraging the latter to attend the aforesaid weekly activities.
The office started its Monday morning Prayer/Worship in 2001. From that time on, it has been the way of life in the office to put God first before starting its work week. The activity is immediately followed by an Office-wide Meeting among all OSSP Staff and Board Members’ Administrative and Legislative Staff. Below is the order of worship every Monday:
- Opening Song
- Opening Prayer
- Reading of the Word – English and Cebuano Bibles
- Reflection
- Giving of Offerings
- Prayer for the Offerings
- Closing Song
- Closing Prayer
- Recitation of Revelation 5:13 and Numbers 6:24-26
The 30 to 40-minute Prayer/Worship involves all staff as they are assigned to lead in the different parts of the activity week in and week out. This has continually encouraged them to participate and cooperate in the said activity.
In addition to this, the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental through a Memorandum of the Honorable Provincial Governor Herminia M. Ramiro dated January 8, 2013, has accepted the Moral Recovery Program conducted by the National Auxiliary Chaplaincy in the Philippines, Inc. (NACPHIL) in support to the program of President Benigno C Aquino III, ”Ang Daang Matuwid Patungo sa Kaunlaran”. The Office started the Program last January 28, 2013. It is scheduled every Friday from 2:30-3:15 in the afternoon with Chaplain Nelson Flores who shares practical lessons and topics from God’s Word that are very much applicable to everyday life. All regular and casual employees faithfully attend and join this activity. Below is the flow of the Values Formation Hour:
- 1. Praise and Worship Song
- 2. Opening Prayer
- 3. Gospel Reading
- 4. Sharing
- 5. Closing Prayer
During this hour, employees are assigned to lead the opening prayer, gospel reading and closing prayer to encourage participation and to give them the chance to be actively involved in the Christian Fellowship.
It has been observed that many lives in the office have been touched by God’s presence and are continually changed by the lessons learned from God’s Word because of these spiritual and moral activities. However, everything still boils down to how employees respond to God and His Word. Still, it is hoped that these activities will make them the kind of people that God wants them to be, and be able to serve the Provincial Government’s constituents in a manner that pleases Him.
Therefore, the SP Office faithfully and joyfully conducts both of these above-mentioned spiritual activities every Monday and Friday of the week for it has greatly impacted the lives of every employee thereby strengthening their faith in God as they live their lives according to His plan.
Finally, as the scriptures say, “PEOPLE DO NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD” Matthew 4:4 (NLT)”, this Office continues to acknowledge that every person needs GOD and His Word in order to live His promised abundant life, the very reason why Jesus came.
To God Be The Glory!
