SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 1 extended support to employees and communities affected by recent typhoons through a gift-giving program aimed at providing relief and fostering hope during challenging times.
Aligned with President Bongbong Marcos’ directive to simplify government Christmas celebrations while prioritizing compassion for disaster-affected Filipinos, the initiative reached both DPWH personnel and local residents across Ilocos Norte, La Union, Pangasinan, and Ilocos Sur.
The distribution for the employees took place at the district engineering offices (DEO) of Pangasinan Third, La Union Second, Ilocos Norte First and Second, Pangasinan First, and Ilocos Sur Second on December 2,4, and 5 with support from generous support of DPWH Region 9 or Zamboanga Peninsula and Region 10 or Northern Mindanao.
About 198 DPWH employees received essential aid, including rice, grocery packs, bottled water, meals, roofing sheets, and cash assistance. The program benefitted 171 residents in La Union and 19 families in Ilocos Sur, who received rice, gift packs, pails with laundry detergents, coffee, biscuits, and other household essentials.
Leonida Lucena, a Typhoon Pepito-affected beneficiary from Balaoan, La Union, shared her heartfelt gratitude upon receiving a gift pack from the DPWH.
“I recall evacuating from our home, which was completely intact, only to return and find it severely damaged. We were utterly devastated. Thank you to the DPWH; this assistance will certainly be of great help,” she said.
These distributions, designed to uplift beneficiaries during the holiday season despite the hardships brought by the typhoon, brought not only essential aid but also smiles and renewed hope to those affected.
DPWH Ilocos Regional Information Officer Esperanza Tinaza said that the DPWH’s gift-giving program reflects the department’s commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos, especially during times of crisis.
“This initiative goes beyond providing holiday cheer – it symbolizes hope, solidarity, and the true spirit of Christmas,” Tinaza said.
More than just an act of charity, the gift-giving program reflects DPWH’s commitment to stand as a pillar of support for employees and communities in times of crisis. Through these efforts, the agency not only addressed immediate needs but also reinforced solidarity and resilience among those affected. (CCMT/REB, PIA Region 1)
