Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the traditional Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the DSWD Central Office compound in Quezon City on Monday (November 11).

The event marks the start of the agency’s celebration for this year’s Christmas season.

During the ceremony, the DSWD chief said the lighting event, although held slightly earlier than usual, was the ‘perfect time’ to reflect on the year and reaffirm the commitment to continue providing dedicated service to the Filipinos.

“We couldn’t have picked a better timing. Itong Christmas tree lighting ngayon kasi, it’s been a month of super challenge,” the DSWD Secretary said in his message to agency personnel.

“It’s a bit early, but it comes with a perfect time because we need to get some inspiration to end the year strong,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

The DSWD chief said the ceremony should be viewed as a brief respite from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of things, recognizing the weight of the agency’s relentless disaster response amid the series of typhoons that struck the country in less than a month.

“Your sacrifices, your hardwork, they don’t go unnoticed. Hindi ko man masabi ng paulit-ulit. Pero sa ngalan ng ating Pangulo, ng mga kliyente natin, maraming salamat sa lahat ng kawani ng DSWD for the hard work you are putting in, day in and day out,” the Secretary told employees who were at the lighting ceremony.

Shortly after his opening message, the DSWD chief and Undersecretary for International Affairs, Attached and Supervised Agencies (ASAs) Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, announced the winners for the agency’s Parol-making contest.

The 1st Place winner was the Field Office (FO) 6—Western Visayas whose parol or ‘lantern’ made it to the top of the agency’s lit-up Christmas tree. The other winners were the Operations Group for 2nd place and the General Administration and Support Services Group (GASSG) for 3rd place.

The DSWD choir took the stage to perform the Christmas song “Diwa ng Pasko sa DSWD” whose lyrics were jointly written by Undersecretary Villar and Asst. Secretary Elaine Fallacurna with DSWD FO 9—Zamboanga Peninsula providing the melody.

Capping off the event was the serving of freshly cooked ‘puto bumbong’, ‘bibingka’, and a cup of hot chocolate, which were handed to employees who attended the event. (LSJ)