DPWH Region 8 marks 118th anniversary

PALO, Leyte, June 22 (PNA) -- Various games and an exhibit of major projects highlighted the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) 118th anniversary celebration at the regional office here on Wednesday.

Hundreds of DPWH key officials and staff from the regional office and 13 district engineering offices joined the two-day celebration anchored on the theme “Kawaning Masaya, Serbisyong Masigla.”

DPWH Eastern Visayas Regional Director Edgar Tabacon thanked all employees for their contribution to improve the image of the department during the six-year stint of Secretary Rogelio Singson.

“We’re not just building infrastructure, we’re building the nation,” Tabacon told DPWH employees who gathered at the regional office compound.

The DPWH kicked off the celebration through a parade. It was followed with an opening ceremony, presentation of muses, awarding of best muse, game ceremonial toss, and opening of the exhibit booth and food trade fair.

The exhibit showcased the best completed projects from each field office. The first day capped with the conduct of various traditional Philippine games and sports.

On Thursday, employees will join a unity fun run, championship games, thanksgiving mass, awarding, talent competition, and dance showdown.

The DPWH was established on June 23, 1898 when General Emilio Aguinaldo issued the first Organic Decree of the Philippine Revolutionary Government creating four departments in the government, one of which was the Department of War and Public Works.

The development of the DPWH into its present structure underwent a long process of evolution spanning a century of colorful and significant events in laying the groundwork for the physical foundation of the country. (PNA)

BNB/SARWELL Q. MENIANO