On a weekend in the first week of June, after writing to our Chairperson to formally notify her of my move to the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), I took on what I considered an equally important task.
I started reaching out to many of you—my fellow colleagues in the Civil Service Commission (CSC)—one at a time.
Your reactions initially varied, which is completely understandable. Some of you were caught off guard, others intrigued, and a few even thought I was joking! Many of you quickly wanted to know what had happened and why I was leaving after more than thirty years at the CSC. It’s heartwarming to see such genuine interest and concern from all of you.
But as our conversations unfolded, something beautiful happened. Every person I reached out to sent me their well-wishes.
Some sent short messages. Others shared memories. A few called. In some cases, people called others before responding to me, as if they needed to confirm the news was real before they could process it. I understood. I was trying to process it, too.
Many of you may be wondering why I chose to message people individually rather than simply post an announcement. The answer is simple. The CSC has been my professional home for more than three decades.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with many of you in various capacities and roles. Some of you became mentors. Some became trusted colleagues. Some became close friends. Others crossed my path only briefly, yet your kindness, support, encouragement, or example left a lasting impression on me.
When you spend three decades in an institution, people stop being names on an organizational chart. They become part of your story. That is why it felt important to tell you personally.
As I sent those messages, I realized something that surprised me. I did not feel like I was leaving.
Yes, I am moving to a different institution. Yes, I will assume the role of Assistant Postmaster General at PHLPost. But emotionally, it did not feel like a departure. Instead, it felt as though I were bringing my CSC family with me.
The lessons I learned, the values I absorbed, the friendships I formed, and the people who challenged, guided, corrected, encouraged, and believed in me will all accompany me into this next chapter.
In many ways, you will be my lifeline. Whenever I face unfamiliar challenges, difficult decisions, or moments of uncertainty, I know I will draw on the wisdom, experience, and relationships nurtured within the CSC. The institution may have shaped me, but the people within it made that journey meaningful.
The CSC shaped the professional I became. It taught me that public service is not merely a career—it is a commitment. It taught me that institutions endure because of people who quietly and faithfully do their work every day. It taught me that leadership is service, that integrity matters, and that every process, policy, and decision ultimately exists to improve others' lives.
This coming week, I begin a new chapter at another institution. Yet a large part of who I am was shaped by the CSC. For that, I will always be grateful.
To my CSC family, thank you. Thank you for the opportunities, trust, friendships, lessons, laughter, challenges, and memories. Thank you for helping shape not only my career but also my life.
Please know that wherever I go, I carry a piece of the CSC with me. In many ways, I carry all of you with me, too.
With gratitude and affection,
Direk Noreen
