The Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) last Thursday officially welcomed ten of its officers into the Papua New Guinea Public Service, presenting them with letters of permanency.
The letters were issued by the Human Resource Management (HRM) Division. Acting HRM Director George Velamoa explained that permanency marks the final stage of formally joining the Public Service.
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“The first step was being selected for the positions you now hold. The second was completing the induction training at the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG), followed by the submission of your permanency and staff performance appraisal forms. With the Secretary’s approval, you are now permanent officers,” he said.
Mr. Velamoa further explained that while 11 officers were initially scheduled to receive their letters, one male officer passed away last year, leaving ten recipients.
“Of the ten recipients, six are females and four are males,” he said.
Acting Deputy Secretary Joseph Warus, who presented the letters to the officers, urged them to work diligently under their supervisors and align their efforts with their job descriptions.
“Read through your job descriptions so you know exactly what is expected of you. Whether you like your supervisors or not, you must work under them,” he said.
“To understand DPLGA’s role, study the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments, the Local Level Government Administration Act and the District Development Authority Act. These laws define our functions.”
He reminded the officers that DPLGA is a member of the Central Agency Coordinating Committee (CACC), where high performance is expected from all member agencies.
Acting Director General for Corporate Planning and Management William Tagai also encouraged the officers to familiarize themselves with the Public Service General Orders, the Public Service Management Act, the Public Finance Management Act, the Department’s Corporate Plan and divisional function statements.
“Now that you are permanent officers, reflect on your performance over the past two years and ask yourselves whether you have achieved much or simply been complacent,” he said.
Among the recipients was Acting Data Entry Officer with HRM Aida Samaly, who described her experience in the public service as more challenging compared with the private sector.
“I joined the Department in 2024 as the Executive Assistant to the HRM Director. In my previous employment, I was not exposed to using computers, so I had to teach myself computer skills and learn about HR matters,” she said.
“A year later, I was called to the Office of the Secretary to serve as Executive Assistant. This role has been even more challenging because I had to quickly familiarize myself with the functions of all divisions within the Department, as well as those of provinces, districts and local-level governments.”
DPLLGA Secretary Philip Leo congratulated the officers on achieving permanency and encouraged them to uphold professionalism and commitment in serving the nation.
“Your appointment as permanent officers is a significant milestone in your public service careers.
I encourage you to remain committed to your responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to the Department’s mandate of strengthening provincial and local-level government administration across the country,” Mr. Leo said.