NAVAL, Biliran- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VIII celebrated its 120th anniversary and sportsfest in a two-day event on June 21-22, 2018 simultaneously with other DPWH Offices nationwide.
“For 365 days, let us give these two days for us to celebrate, giving thanks to God, giving thanks to our officials, to ourselves, to each one of us, thank you for your continuous support that is why we existed and it (DPWH) is getting stronger,” Edgar B. Tabacon, regional director said during his welcome address.
Thirteen District Engineering Offices of the region including Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO) gather for the said occasion to have fun and develop camaraderie and sportsmanship through sports activities.
The activity started with a thanksgiving mass at the open field of the DPWH Regional Office, Baras Palo, Leyte at 8:00 in the morning officiated by Fr. Norman Abolencia followed by a short parade around the Government Center in Palo.
The competition for the best in muse highlighted the morning event of the first day of celebration. Photo exhibit contest also opened at the DPWH multipurpose hall displaying completed/proposed high impact projects of the 13 district engineering offices.
The sports activities started at 1:00 in the afternoon which included basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, dart and chess but the highlight of the celebration is the Search for Mr. DPWH Sportspoof 2018 in the evening.
Fourteen ‘straight’ men candidates representing their engineering offices came out as lovely ladies vying for the title. In the middle of the said competition, there was a Search for DPWH Curatcha King and Queen.
The second day of the celebration started with the DPWH Unity Fun Run at 5:00 in the morning competing for the 3k, 5k and 10k run.
Due to unfinished game for the sport badminton, Atty. Neil N. Re-oma, president of Rank and File Employees Union (RFEU), Region VIII said that awarding ceremony for the winners of the different competitions will be held during the second Regional Quarters Meeting.
DPWH is celebrating 120 years anniversary with the theme “Bridging Modern Development”. The department started as the Department of War and Public Works in 1898 during the revolutionary government under the time of President Emilio Aguinaldo. In 1987, after several revolutions, it became the Department of Public Works and Highways, as it is known today. (PR)
