Fr. Zafe urged civil servants and the faithful to let Christ transform their lives, families, and communities, stressing that faith and love for others should guide public service. His message tied in with the day’s readings: St. Paul’s call to be “children of light,” the psalmist’s trust in God as “light and salvation,” and the Gospel account of Jesus casting out an unclean spirit in Capernaum.

This year’s celebration carried the theme “Bawat Kawani, Lingkod Bayani: Puso, Dangal, at Galing para sa Bayan,” which honors the contributions of the public sector in advancing the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas through patriotism, integrity, and excellence.

Catanduanes State University, led by President Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, joined the commemoration with its officials, faculty, and staff present at both the Mass and the parade.