Over 700 staff attend Monday gathering; governor calls for focus on resident-centered communication and next year's budget
South Chungcheong Province held the first monthly staff meeting of the ninth elected administration Monday at the grand auditorium of the provincial government's cultural center, with Gov. Park Soo-hyun and more than 700 employees in attendance.
The gathering — the first since the ninth administration took office — proceeded with a national ceremony, a reading of the civil servants' charter, an award presentation for outstanding employees of the month, and an invited lecture.
Park used the occasion to emphasize his vision of "a South Chungcheong that connects, built together," calling on staff to focus their efforts on resident-centered communication and securing next year's budget.
"The month since I took office has been a time of relentlessly tending to pressing issues for South Chungcheong's future — from responding to heavy rainfall to securing next year's government budget," Park said. "I was reminded again that answers can be found by identifying problems in the field and communicating with residents."
He added that opening the governor's office through his first official approval and making the process of approving major policies transparent were intended to bring the voices of both residents and frontline staff closer. "I will not lose sight of my original intentions and will work to build a South Chungcheong that truly connects with its people," he said.
During the awards ceremony, Park recognized employees and departments whose work led to provincial achievements — including selection in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's urban regeneration competitive grant program, designation as an AI-specialized pilot city, and securing national funding for drainage improvement projects. "South Chungcheong's achievements are the precious results of the dedication and effort of each and every one of you," he said.
Park then urged staff not to let their guard down until next year's budget proposal is finalized. "Despite difficult conditions, next year's ministerial budget proposal has been set at 13.2 trillion won ($9 billion), an increase of 842.5 billion won over the previous year," he said. "With less than a month left before the government proposal is finalized, please keep a close eye on the Ministry of Planning and Budget's review and deliberation, and let me know immediately if there are any issues so I can act right away."
Addressing the province's recent monsoon disaster response, Park said the rainy season had passed without major casualties or property damage thanks to staff taking preemptive action in the field. "Do not let your guard down until the end of summer disasters — typhoons, heavy rain, heat waves — and do your utmost to protect the lives and safety of our residents," he said.
Park closed by encouraging staff to spend their summer vacations within the province to help invigorate the local economy. "I hope that the small actions of public servants will serve as an opportunity to bring warmth to local businesses," he said.
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
