MANILA, Philippine -- In a bid to further motivate employee morale and service, Malacañang is giving away awards and financial incentives to government employees with exemplary performance.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. signed Memorandum Order No. 12 creating the Office of the President-Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (OP-PRAISE) committee to oversee the rewards program.

The committee, led by a senior official designated by Ochoa, is assigned to prepare and implement the guidelines of productivity, innovativeness, suggestions and exemplary behavior covering employees at all levels.

MO 12 also stated that OP-PRAISE committee will be responsible for the development, administration, monitoring and evaluation of the awards and incentives system of OP.

It will likewise recommend to the Executive Secretary its proposed annual budget to cover the expenses for monetary and non-monetary awards for deserving employees in the public sector.

The head of the Human Resource Management will serve as vice chairman of the OP-PRAISE Committee with the head of the OP Finance Office, head of Legal Office, and representatives for 1st and 2nd level positions as members.

This Memorandum Order took effect upon signing last March 14.