Twelve new officers of the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) were sworn into the public service during a ceremony in Port Moresby on Friday, September 27th, according to DPLGA Secretary, Philip Leo. These officers completed a week-long training program at the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG). DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo, who had addressed the new officers during the graduation ceremony, encouraging them to be "agents of change in the Department." “You have to commit yourself to the oath you recited to be agents of change. You have to nurture good habits like arriving early to work, getting paid the honest way by completing daily tasks, looking neat, approachable and professional in the office at all times,” he emphasized. Leo urged the officers to avoid unprofessional behaviour, such as chewing betel nut and smoking cigarettes inside the office or going to work intoxicated. He also highlighted the importance of their commitment to the state. “As you move up rank and file, you have to relieve yourself from some responsibilities at home. I understand that we have responsibilities at home but as public servants, we have sworn an oath to be responsible to all Papua New Guineans,” he added. The training program was not merely a requirement for public servants but a vital step in their career pathways within the public service. After completing five days of intensive training, all 12 participants received National Certificate 2 in Government and Public Service Induction. This cohort marks the third batch from DPLGA out of 20 training sessions conducted for various government agencies and state-funded institutions. Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Samson Kendeman expressed gratitude towards DPLGA for facilitating the timely completion of their induction. “We are privileged and honoured to be qualified as public servants and be agents of change in our respective divisions. We rest assured you all that what we learnt here is not a waste of resources and time but will execute efficiently and diligently at our respective workplaces,” he said.