Marking the Department’s 61^st anniversary, the DSWD Field Office Eight will open its doors to the public via a trade fair and photo exhibit, on January 24 to 27, at its grounds along Magsaysay Boulevard in Tacloban City. It will also hold a press conference, right after the formal opening, which is set at 2 : 00 p.m.

Anchored on this year’s theme, “ DSWD @ 61 : Tuloy-tuloy sa Kaunlaran,” the fair will showcase various products of the Department’s Self-Employment Assistance – Kaunlaran (SEA-K) livelihood program. Regional Project Development Officer Hermanito Mangalao said the event will be participated in by ten groups of beneficiaries coming from Palo , Abuyog, Alang-alang, all of Leyte; Ormoc City; Calbiga and Basey in Samar; Balangkayan and Guiuan in Eastern Samar; and Allen in Northern Samar.

There will be handicrafts made up of banig, abaca, and recycled paper, pili nut delicacies, dried fish, banana chips, “binagol,” and other food items. Not only are the public encouraged to visit the trade fair, but also government employees, who may also provide technical assistance along product development and packaging.

Mangalao, however, revealed that among the exhibitors are from the ANGAT KABUHAYAN SEA- KABAYAN, Inc. of Calbiga which grabbed the PANATA KO SA BAYAN Awards under the Model SEA KABAYAN or SEA-K level II category, at the national level. The said winning KABAYAN, a merger of five SEA – K associations who have successfully graduated SEA-K level I, will receive the awards at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City, during its culmination rites.

The “Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan” or “PANATA KO SA BAYAN Awards” aims to acknowledge the efforts of individuals, groups, and organizations whose ‘panata’ or vow is to share their resources, time and selves in providing for a better opportunity for the disadvantaged sectors.

Meanwhile,  DSWD Field Office Eight Director Leticia Diokno reported that Region Eight also won the Best Non-Government Organization category under same awards, in the name of SOS Children’s Village in Calbayog City.

On the other hand, Marcela Lim who is the Head Social Worker of the DSWD’s Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) in Tanauan, Leyte and concurrently this year’s chairperson of the anniversary celebration in the region, reported that the residents of the Center will also participate in the fair.  The RRCY boys, who are Children-In-Conflict-with-Law (CICL),  have undergone various skills trainings in preparation for their new life, once they are back in their respective communities.

At the livelihood fair, these minors will put on sale,  buko pie and fashion accessories, at a minimal price,  Lim further said.