By Michelle Ducut
The Department of Public Works and Highways in the Ilocos Region (DPWH-1) has provided food assistance to employees affected by recent calamities, supported by contributions from DPWH offices in Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao.
DPWH-1 Information Officer Esperanza Tinaza reported that the distribution, held across various district engineering offices beginning December 2, aimed to support disaster-stricken personnel in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to focus on meaningful aid during the holiday season.
In Ilocos Norte, 51 employees of the 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) received 10 kilograms of rice and grocery packs, while 15 employees of the 2nd DEO were given 25 kilograms of rice each, along with grocery items, bottled water, and meals.
In La Union, 120 employees from the 1st DEO and 171 residents near the 2nd DEO received 25 kilograms of rice and Christmas packs.
In Pangasinan, the 1st DEO provided roofing sheets and 12 kilograms of rice to two employees, while the 3rd DEO gave one box of noodles and PHP 2,000 in cash to 10 employees.
In Ilocos Sur, the 2nd DEO distributed 25 kilograms of rice, pails with laundry detergents, coffee, biscuits, and Christmas gift packs to 19 families.
The program, themed “2024 Paskong DPWH: Pagkakaisa at Bayanihan, Tunay na Diwa ng Kapaskuhan,” underscores the agency’s commitment to supporting its workforce and communities in times of need.
“These efforts reflect the DPWH’s dedication not just to holiday cheer, but also to embodying hope, solidarity, and the true spirit of Christmas,” Tinaza added.