The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 1 had fun celebrating its 64th anniversary with the theme, “DSWD @ 64: Tuloy ang Pagbabago at Pag-unlad” through health and wellness activities, traditional games, cultural dances, and pageant at the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY), Bauang, La Union on 19 February 2015.

A 1.5 km fun walk kicked off the whole day activities dubbed as Lakad para sa Pagbabago, Sayaw para sa Pag-unlad. Employees walked from RRCY via St. Joseph Parish escorted by the Philippine National Police. As they approached the finish line at the RRCY, walkers were challenged to undergo limbo rock, skipping rope, and tire block. This was also followed by a zumba led by Zumba Master Ellie Borromeo of San Fernando City, La Union. Such activity served as a soft launch of a regular zumba session at the Field Office to be held every Thursday from 4:00PM to 5:00PM.

Mr. Regeon  Abalos was awarded as the Gold Fun walker and Best Sexy Wet look. Ms. Edith Ducusin, Ms. Marites Ysip, Mr. Dylanthor Espenilla, and Mr. Abalos were the Best in Giling during the zumba session. Each of them received a token.

Sixty four colored balloons (red, blue, and yellow) were released by the employees as a symbol of soaring higher towards the realization of the Department’s 2030 Vision.

All employees were clustered into 14 and enjoyed together playing Laro ng Lahi which included Dama, Sungka, Tug of War, Bukoball, Sack Race, Touch the Body, and Hulian ng Biik. Dressed with native costumes, each cluster clashed in the cultural dance competition wherein Cluster 1 composed of the General Administration Services and Support Division (GASSD) who performed a contemporary Igorot dance was the champion. They received cash prize worth P2,500.00.

The croud’s excitement heightened at the Search for Mr. and Ms. DSWD FO1 2015. Seven pairs of candidates looked so stunning and lovely in their creative costumes featuring different festivals of Region 1. Mr. Roewell Ganaban of Cluster 10 (Pistay Dayat) and Ms. Micah Janina P. Agliam of Cluster 4 (Bangus Festival) were crowned as Mr. and Ms. DSWD FO1 2015 respectively. (by: Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, Information Officer II/Pantawid Pamilya)