The Department of Public Works and Highways commemorates its 117th Founding Anniversary with the theme: “DPWH: Sa Daang Matuwid, Para sa Diyos at Bayan” on June 23, 2015. Part of the celebration is the nationwide tree planting activity, conducted last June 20, 2015. In Region VI, the Regional Office, together with Iloilo First, Iloilo Second, Iloilo Fourth and Iloilo City District Engineering Offices conducted the tree planting at the Maasin Watershed in Maasin, Iloilo. More than 200 officials and employees from the said offices joined in the tree planting, which was spearheaded by Regional Director Edilberto D. Tayao and Assistant Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado. Other District Engineering Offices in the region also conducted the simultaneous tree planting in their chosen areas. Assistant Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado thanked the participants in tree planting activities in celebration of 117th DPWH anniversary. According to ARD Delfinado, “it was a challenging, thrilling but fulfilling trip to Maasin watershed to plant hundreds of trees. We walked more than a kilometer crossing seven rivers to reach the site. It’s the DPWH contribution for the LOVE of MOTHER EARTH.” On June 23, 2015, a simple yet meaningful anniversary program was held by the Regional Office. The event kicked-off with a caravan, together with Iloilo First and Iloilo City District Engineering Offices. The motorcade traversed the major streets in the city, passing through the more convenient and newly upgraded roads. A mass was celebrated after, to give back to the Almighty all the blessings HE has given. The program highlighted the fun-filled “Search for Videoke King and Queen” which was held in the afternoon of the anniversary day. Representatives from various divisions of the Regional Office showcased their hidden singing skills, which are rarely heard due to the usual loaded office responsibilities. The program ended with a “Zumba” exercise where everyone excitedly participated. DPWH traces its roots to the Department of War and Public Works, one (1) of the first four (4) Departments of the Philippine Revolutionary Government created by virtue of then President Emilio Aguinaldo’s Organic Decree in June 23, 1898.