Sports and fun activities greet the first week of close to a month-long celebration as DSWD Field Office VIII joins the nationwide observance of the agency’s 66th year this month. Since January 20, employees had indoor and outdoor games while work continues, that is centered on serving the public with “genuine compassion,“ under the new leadership, DSWD Regional Director, Restituto Macuto reiterates Secretary Judy Taguiwalo ‘s statement. To highlight the gains of last year and thrusts of the current year, a three – day Photo Exhibit and Services Fair will open this Sunday, January 29 till January 31 at the Robinson’s Place Tacloban. It will be highlighted by the Pasalamat Awards, DSWD’s way of saying “thank you” to its outstanding partners from among beneficiaries, local government units, ther government entities, and the private sector, in implementing the agency’s three core social protection programs. These are the KALAHI CIDSS National Community Driven Development Program, Pantawid Pamilya Program, and the Sustainable Livelihood Program. The awardees will be presented in a Press Conference, to be jointly undertaken with the Philippine Information Agency. Also, the DSWD workforce will have an outreach activity as it goes to some poor communities in Palo, Leyte, says Policy and Plans Division Chief, Yvonne Abonales. The culmination will be a gathering of employees as Director Macuto delivers his State of Eastern Visayas Social Welfare and Development Address, on January 30 at the ARCIVU Hall in Palo, Leyte. Recognition of Loyalty Awardees among the staff will also be held at same event.##DSWDMayMalasakit