by Venus G. Villanueva

Kalibo, Aklan (7 August) -- Muddied application forms of would-be takers of the Civil Service Professional and Sub-Professional examinations of Aklan as well as the utter destruction of files and office equipment of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Field Office here wrought by Typhoon Frank last June 21 caused the CSC officials to decide to move the exams schedule from July 27 to November 16 of this year.

"The CSC office was flooded neck-deep on June 21. After the flood subsided, it left knee-high mud, which ruined our files, and all our office equipment. We have to re-set the examinations, as some application forms were completely destroyed, and we are still calling for those applicants to refile again," said Evelyn Ejar, Director II of the CSC here.

Ejar said that because of the new schedule, filing of application is open up to Oct. 16.

"The same requirements are needed: 4 pictures measuring 1.5 by 2 inches with white background and nametag which are not computerized or taken digitally; and an ID photocopy. For applicants whose IDs were destroyed by the flood, we advise them to get a Postal ID as replacement. A photocopy of the new ID should be submitted to us," Ejar said.

Ejar assured that those who have already filed for the July 27 examinations can take the tests without filing again except the 20 applicants who were requested to submit needed papers.

Presently, the CSC is trying to recover almost 10,000 personal files of appointees in the province from the national, provincial and local government units and water districts. The files, contained in folders which were placed in steel cabinets got wet and muddy, and are now carefully aired and dried outside the office at the Cultural Center.

Ejar said the files have to be saved because the CSC's help might be sought by Aklan government employees whose files in their homes were completely destroyed during the typhoon.

"Our office here was greatly affected by the typhoon but our services continue, although we have somehow slowed because of the loss of our files and the destruction of our equipment like computers, telephones, fax machines, etc. Our references, like memorandum circulars and other documents were destroyed, so we cannot immediately answer queries from clients. Sometimes we have to ask for copies from our regional office or from other personnel officers in the province whose files are intact," Ejar said.

Files of some 3,000 retirees were also destroyed by the flood. Ejar said these documents are also important because some retirees decide to reenter government service, while others are seeking benefits which were not yet granted to them and need to submit documents from the CSC.