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| DPWH-8 marks its 125th anniversary with a grand celebration, highlighting historic accomplishments and contributions to nation-building. Photo: DPWH-8 |
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VIII marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 125th anniversary at the DPWH Regional Office 8 on June 23, 2023. This momentous event showcased the department's rich history of accomplishments and its invaluable contributions to nation-building over the past 125 years.
Under the theme "Makasaysayang Daan tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan" (Historic Path towards a Prosperous Future), the anniversary celebration emphasized the importance of DPWH's mission in constructing safer, more resilient, and sustainable infrastructure for the Filipino people. OIC Assistant Regional Director Ma. Margarita C. Junia, in her inspiring speech, urged all employees to continue their unwavering support for DPWH.
"We must continue to support DPWH and its mission to build safer, more resilient, and more sustainable infrastructure for the Filipinos. This means investing new technologies, strengthening our capacity for the disaster response and climate adaptation, fostering a greater collaboration between government, private sectors and our society," emphasized OIC-ARD Junia.
She expressed gratitude to the dedicated men and women of DPWH for their hard work, dedication, and service in pursuing a brighter and inclusive future for the nation.
The celebration featured various highlights, including a spirited sports fest organized into clusters among the Regional Office and 14 District Engineering Offices. Competitions in basketball, volleyball (men's and women's categories), badminton, table tennis, chess, darts, and the esports tournament Mobile Legends captivated the participants and spectators alike.
Cluster V, composed of Leyte 5th DEO, Southern Leyte DEO, and Southern Sub-DEO, emerged as the overall champion of the Sportsfest. Cluster 1 (Regional Office) secured the 1st Runner-Up position, followed by Cluster VI (Samar 1st DEO and Samar 2nd DEO) as the 2nd Runner-Up, and Cluster IV (Leyte 2nd DEO and Leyte 4th DEO) as the 3rd Runner-Up.
The highly anticipated Search for Mr. and Ms. DPWH 2023 added glamour and excitement to the festivities. Engr. Alvin Encina of DPWH Leyte 1st DEO and Engr. Angel Rose C. Tambal of the Regional Office was crowned Mr. and Ms. DPWH 2023. The 1st Runner-Up titles went to Mr. Reuben John Arcabal (Leyte 2nd DEO) and Ms. Dixie Jell Romo (Leyte 4th DEO), while Mr. Kenneth Z. Villamor (Regional Office) and Ms. Farah Salonoy (Leyte 1st DEO) secured the 2nd Runner-Up positions. Mr. Jake Nichol Kinazo (Southern Leyte-Sub DEO) and Ms. Jemarie Monreal (Leyte 3rd DEO) were awarded as the 3rd Runner-Up.
The participants showcased their elegance and athleticism in various categories. Ms. Angel Rose C. Tambal (Regional Office) swept the Best Sports Attire, Best in Production Number, and Best in Formal Wear titles in the female category. In the male category, Mr. Lemuel Malinao (Samar 2nd DEO) won Best in Sports Attire, Mr. Kenneth Z. Villamor (Regional Office) claimed Best in Production Number, and Mr. Jake Nichol Kinazo (Southern Leyte-Sub DEO) impressed the judges with the Best in Formal Wear.
Mr. Denmark Bantillan (Samar 1st DEO) and Ms. Dixie Jell Romo (Leyte 4th DEO) were recognized as Mr. and Ms. Congeniality, reflecting their good camaraderie and amiable personalities.
DPWH established more than a century ago, has remained one of the pioneering government offices under the executive branch since the establishment of the Philippine Revolutionary Government on June 23, 1898. The 125th-anniversary celebration commemorated DPWH's enduring legacy and reinvigorated its commitment to building a better and prosperous future for the nation.