Ozamis City Employee Returns P200,000 Found Cash, Exemplifying Asenso Values

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental — An Ozamiz City government employee demonstrated honesty and integrity after turning over ₱200,000 in cash that he found at a subdivision in Barangay Malaubang, leading to the recovery of the money by its rightful owner.

On the evening of September 24, 2026, JE Court Flores Luzana, a job order employee of the Local Government Unit of Ozamiz City, went to the Ozamiz City Police Station to report and surrender the cash he had found at Stephanie Subdivision in Barangay Malaubang.

The money consisted of four bundles worth ₱50,000 each, all in ₱500 denominations, for a total of ₱200,000.

The cash was later claimed by PMSg Gaudencio P. Monopolio Jr., an active member of the Philippine National Police assigned to the PRO-10 Regional Headquarters, who had reported losing the same amount.

Following verification, proof of ownership, and matching of records, the ₱200,000 was formally returned to Monopolio.

Luzana’s decision to surrender the money reflects Matinud-anon, or honesty and sincerity—one of the core values promoted under the Asenso brand of public service.

His action also demonstrates Matinabangon, or being helpful, as he took the initiative to report the found cash and help facilitate its return to its rightful owner.

It likewise reflects Matinahuron, or being respectful, particularly in recognizing and respecting another person’s property.

The act may also be viewed through the value of Mahigugmaon, or being compassionate and considerate toward others, especially in recognizing the possible impact of losing a substantial amount of money.

The Asenso core values—Matinahuron, Matinud-anon, Matinabangon, Mahigugmaon, and Mainampuon—serve as a values framework for public service and community life.

For the Kanunay Asenso Ozamiz administration under Mayor Sam Norman G. Fuentes, the incident provides a concrete example of how public-service values can extend beyond government programs and official responsibilities and become evident in the everyday choices of government workers.

For Luzana, finding ₱200,000 presented a moment where honesty mattered. Rather than keeping the money, he chose to report and surrender it, helping ensure that it reached the person who had reported losing it.

The incident offers a simple but meaningful example of Matinud-anon in action—doing what is right with something that does not belong to you.

In public service, integrity is demonstrated not only by what a person does while on duty, but also by the choices made when confronted with an opportunity to do otherwise.

Luzana’s action serves as a reminder that the values promoted in public service become most meaningful when they are practiced not only in the workplace, but also in everyday life.