In a heartwarming gesture of solidarity, the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Ilocos Region (DPWH-1) has been distributing food packs to its employees who have been impacted by recent natural disasters. This initiative, which began on December 2, was carried out across various district engineering offices in the region, with support from DPWH offices in Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao.
The distribution effort was a direct response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for government agencies to forego extravagant Christmas celebrations and instead focus on supporting those affected by the typhoons that have ravaged the country. DPWH-1’s information officer, Esperanza Tinaza, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the theme ‘2024 Paskong DPWH: Pagkakaisa at Bayanihan, Tunay na Diwa ng Kapaskuhan,’ emphasizing unity and the true spirit of Christmas.
In Ilocos Norte, 51 employees from the 1st District Engineering Office received 10 kilograms of rice and Christmas grocery packs, while 15 employees from the 2nd District Engineering Office were given 25 kilograms of rice, along with grocery items, bottled water, and meals. In La Union, 120 employees from the 1st District Engineering Office received 25 kilograms of rice and Christmas gift packs, and 171 residents from the 2nd District Engineering Office were also provided with similar relief.
In Pangasinan, two employees from the 1st District Engineering Office received roofing sheets and 12 kilograms of rice, while 10 employees from the 3rd District Engineering Office were given noodles and PHP2,000 in cash. In Ilocos Sur, 19 families from the 2nd District Engineering Office received 25 kilograms of rice, pails with laundry detergents, coffee, biscuits, and Christmas gift packs.
This relief effort by DPWH-Ilocos not only brings holiday cheer but also embodies hope and solidarity, reflecting the agency’s commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos during times of crisis.