By Ryan Christopher V. Manzano
On January 31, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) celebrated its 123rd Founding Anniversary with the theme “ Celebrating Triumphs Amidst the Pandemic .”
The anniversary celebration commenced with a thanksgiving mass in recognition and gratitude to the Lord for guiding and helping the Department deliver a responsive public service to the Filipino people despite the COVID-19 pandemic and other natural calamities. The program officially started with its preliminaries and was followed by the acknowledgment of the DOTr officials, headed by Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, Undersecretaries, and Assistant Secretaries, attached agencies and `offices of the DOTr, its employees, and esteemed guests. Subsequently, congratulatory video messages and warm greetings from different people, internal and external to the Department, were also shown.
One of the highlights was the comprehensive audio-visual presentation of all the accomplishments, achievements, and milestones of the DOTr for the past six years. Secretary Tugade delivered his message of gratitude and inspiration. “Sa loob ng 123 years na nandidito yung kagawaran ng transportasyon, anim na taon kung saan tayo ay naluklok, makikita doon ang dahilan, makikita doon ang sustansiya, makikita doon ang performance at masasabi natin, ‘Indeed, it is a very happy celebration for us to commemorate the 123 anniversary of the Department of Transportation. …Anim na taon kung saan tayo ay nagsama-samang maglingkod, tayo ay nagsama-samang magsakripisyo, at ibigay yung tinatawag na dedikasyon, ng sa ganun masabi natin sa maraming taon na nandirito ang kagawaran ng transportasyon, yung anim na taon na pinalagi natin ay the cream of the years of the 123 years”.
Further, “…lahat kayo, lahat ng ating kasamahan sa kagawaran ay magpalakpakan, tapikin ang inyong dibdib, tapikin and inyong braso, at sabihin sa bawat isa “Job well done!” …Nagawa ho natin ito pagkat ang pamunuan, ang inyong kalihim, ang inyong kasama sa Management, lahat tayo, rank-and-file, ay nagbuklod-buklod at nagsama-sama upang sa ganun magawa at magampanan ang mga tinatawag natin at tinatawag ng iba na accomplishments. …Dapat lang, sa ating mga nagawa, sa ating mga gagawin pa, ang dapat pasalamatan ay ang kabuuan ng kagawaran, from me to the rank-and-file, everybody, dapat ho sila ang tumanggap ng pasasalamat.” words of the Secretary recognizing the contribution of everyone in the accomplishments of the Department. He also emphasized the importance of “culture, values, and ways of doing things” as the guide and tool in the performance of work.
In the later part of the program, President Duterte congratulated and thanked the DOTr, especially Secretary Tugade, for rallying the people to work together and bring significant changes to the country. The event ended with a commemorative video for the Secretary highlighting his work and contributions to achieving and realizing the Department’s goals and vision.
