TARLAKENYO — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made history as the first national government agency to clinch the prestigious Civil Service Commission (CSC) PRIME-HRM Silver Award.
The CSC formally conferred the award on June 22 at the SEC Headquarters in Makati City. The recognition follows a rigorous validation of the SEC’s human resource programs, which are designed to empower employees and boost public service delivery.
The milestone comes on the heels of the agency reaching PRIME-HRM Maturity Level III in 2024, signaling HR practices aligned with global standards, and its Bronze Award finish in 2023.
The PRIME-HRM framework evaluates an agency’s proficiency across four core areas: recruitment, selection, and placement; learning and development; performance management; and rewards and recognition. The process involves an initial assessment by the CSC Regional Office and a final validation audit by the CSC Central Office.
By securing the Silver Award, the SEC climbs to a deregulated status. This autonomy allows the Commission to design and implement its own HR mechanisms without seeking prior CSC approval, alongside gaining the authority to approve appointments subject to a post-audit.
“This recognition is more than a badge of excellence, it is an investment in the future of the SEC. With deregulated status, the Commission gains greater administrative and operational flexibility, enabling us to innovate, move faster, and serve the public more effectively,” SEC Chairperson Francis Lim said.
“If we want an SEC that is efficient, innovative, and trusted by the public, we must continue to improve our HR systems and attract the best talents, develop our people, recognize excellence, and provide opportunities for growth based on merit,” he added.
The SEC has steadily built a reputation for cultivating an excellent workplace environment.
In 2025, it stood out as the first in the government financial sector — and the third national government agency overall — to earn a Silver accreditation from Investors in People (IiP) for outstanding employee welfare practices. The same institution also handed the SEC awards for well-being and diversity that same year.
“As the SEC marks its 90th year, this award serves as a reminder that lasting institutional excellence begins with people excellence. The reforms we envision for our markets and the public trust we seek to earn will ultimately depend on the competence, integrity, and dedication of the men and women of the SEC,” Lim said.
