OFFICIALS and employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) celebrated the agency's 111th year anniversary by helping poor communities in the country to fight the spread of A (H1N1) virus.

The department's rank and file bought several boxes of soaps, alcohol, and hand sanitizers, which they distribute in key public schools and communities surrounding DPWH regional and district offices nationwide.

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"Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane wants us to be sensitive and responsive to the needs of poor people around us. We cannot do much celebrating, knowing that people everywhere are worried sick about the spread of the A (H1N1) virus," said Undersecretary Rafael Yabut.

Medical missions in key areas in Metro Manila where likewise provided. They also distributed soap, alcohol, and hand sanitizers to the people.

Undersecretary Jaime Pacanan, who prepared the program for this year's anniversary celebration, said they want the celebration to be simple and in a meaningful way.

Some regional offices held medical missions and took temperature readings of people living in communities around them. Doctors likewise checked on people and provided vitamins to protect them from the dreaded disease.

At the DPWH central office, where the simple festivities were held Monday, the department's medical team also conducted temperature readings of their employees.

The soap, alcohol, and hand sanitizers were donated by the Director's League of the Philippines and the District Engineer's League of the Philippines. (FP/Sunnex)