In a significant achievement, the Civil Service Commission in Bicol (CSC-5) has awarded special eligibility to over 3,600 individuals from January to November 2024. This was announced by CSC-5 Director Daisy Punzalan-Bragais during a media event held at the regional office in Barangay Rawis, Legazpi City, Albay. Punzalan-Bragais highlighted that eligibility for civil service positions can be achieved through various means beyond just passing the career service examination.
She encouraged qualified individuals to apply for special eligibility, which exempts them from the need to take the examination. In 2024, the largest group to benefit from this provision were honor graduates, as outlined in Presidential Decree 907. Other categories of special eligibility include Barangay Health Worker, Barangay Nutrition Scholar, Barangay Official, Electronic Data Processing Specialist, Sanggunian Member, Scientific and Technological Specialist, Skills Category II, Veteran Preference Rating, and Career Service Eligibility-Preference Rating.
Applicants for these special eligibilities must submit a certificate of service from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), confirming their service to local government units and completion of the required service period. Additionally, CSC-5 reported over 5,000 passers of the Career Service Examination-Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT) in 2024. Punzalan-Bragais advised examinees to focus on refreshing their general knowledge, particularly in areas where they might be weaker, such as mathematics.
Looking ahead, the commission is set to introduce a new examination platform in 2025, designed to enhance convenience for examinees. This platform will allow candidates to use their laptops during the career service exam, similar to the format used in bar examinations.