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| The DPWH Region 8 office held a Christmas lighting ceremony and a gift-giving activity for the children of its employees on November 30, 2023. Photo: DPWH-8/Facebook |
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 8 office officially welcomed the Yuletide season with a Paskong Pinoy Christmas lighting ceremony and a gift-giving activity at its grounds on November 30, 2023. The event was attended by DPWH officials and employees, as well as their families and guests.
The celebration started with the lighting of the 16-foot tall Christmas tree, made out of colorful panels depicting the DPWH mission and vision. The panels show the images of equipment and people doing civil works, from the planning to the implementation stage. The tree was topped with a brightly lit DPWH logo, symbolizing the unity and progress of the department and Filipino craftsmanship.
The main highlight of the event was the gift-giving activity, led by DPWH 8 Regional Director Edgar B. Tabacon and graced by ASEC Nerie D. Bueno, DPWH Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations in NCR, Regions III, IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VII, and VIII. The officials gifted 500 children of DPWH RO8 employees who received food treats. RD Tabacon said that the children have the most enthusiastic thoughts about Christmas and that kindness and love make the celebration more fulfilling.
ASEC Bueno expressed delight as she lauded the office for conducting an activity that fosters good camaraderie among employees. She said this is one way of building relationships, which is important for the department. She also thanked the employees for their hard work and dedication.
Also present during the joyous activity was Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Undersecretary for Service Continuity Mark Cristeo R. Gimenez, who called for unity, understanding, and peace throughout the year and beyond, not only in the Eastern Visayas region but also in the entire country. DPWH 8 Assistant Regional Director Ma. Margarita C. Junia, District Engineers, and Regional Office 8 officials attended the event.
The DPWH RO 8 grounds were illuminated and adorned by various Filipino Christmas lights and ornaments, which were recycled materials from last year's Christmas celebration. The activity also featured the Remo Tribe, which brought out the season's festive mood, and the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño Praise Chanters, who invoked the Christmas spirit through their singing.
Capping off the night, ARD Junia thanked every man and woman of DPWH RO8 who made the event successful and meaningful. She said that the ceremony allowed the employees to give time to their families and hoped that the beautiful lights would bring everyone joy, love, friendship, and kindness. —iTacloban