By Rudy P. Parel Jr., DOST-STII
DOST Central Office employees, together with DOST Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs Diana L. Ignacio, PhD, help repack 500 food packs for typhoon-stricken Catanduanes and Isabela. (Photo by Roberto B. Manuel Jr., DOST-STII)
The Department of Science and Technology – Central Office (DOST-CO) welcomed the final month of the year in high note with sustained public service before the year ends.
On 2 December 2024, DOST-CO organized a relief repacking operations initiative to aid the victims of the typhoon-stricken provinces of Catanduanes and Isabela as part of its 2024 DOST Central Office Year-End Thanksgiving Celebration in Bicutan, Taguig City.
DOST Planning and Evaluation Service Director Cezar R. Pedraza stated that this initiative aligns with the Office of the President’s call for solidarity with the millions of Filipinos affected by the recent calamities.
Meanwhile, DOST Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs Dr. Diana L. Ignacio noted that DOST-CO reallocated around half a million of its budget for its relief operation activity.
“Even our employees were affected by the recent typhoon that hit Catanduanes and, of course, part of Isabela,” she said. “I think this is DOST’s way to help those in need.”
Following a Thanksgiving Mass, the DOST-CO officials and employees repacked food items that will benefit 500 families in the said provinces.
Each relief pack contains the following:
- Three (3) kilos of rice
- Two (2) cans of sardines
- Four (4) cans of corned beef
- Four (4) cans of tuna
- Five (5) sachets of coffee
- Five (5) sachets of cereal drinks
The spirit of bayanihan
In an interview, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. highlighted the concept of kapwa in Filipino culture.
“When you say kapwa, you’re preparing not just for yourself but also for other people. So, even though we are celebrating Christmas this December, we’re still thinking about the Filipinos who were affected by the typhoons that struck last October and November,” he said.
“The relief packs that can be given to the victims, our fellow Filipinos, is part of our celebration because that is the miracle of the Filipino Christmas.”
DOST-CO’s annual Thanksgiving activity serves as an opportunity to recognize the valuable efforts of the department’s employees and highlight the department’s key accomplishments.
DOST Central Office officials and employees repacked 500 food packs for typhoon-stricken provinces of Catanduanes and Isabela. (Photo by Roberto B. Manuel Jr., DOST-STII)
[From left to right] DOST Officials: Director for Planning and Evaluation Service Cezar R. Pedraza, Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr., Undersecretary for Special Concerns Dr. Teodoro Gatchalian, Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs Dr. Diana L. Ignacio, and Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon O. Sahagun lead relief goods repacking activity for typhoon-stricken Catanduanes and Isabela. (Photo by Roberto B. Manuel Jr., DOST-STII)
