The ceremony included the announcement of anniversary theme and activities, unveiling of DPWH theme and slogans, and delivery of messages among top regional officials.

DPWH Assistant Secretary Jaime A. Pacanan, concurrent regional director for Eastern Visayas, expounded on the significance of the theme DPWH: Building on the Strengths and Experiences of 110 years of Bridging People and Progress.

We will help our employees realize their important role as workers of the government’s construction and engineering arm, said Pacanan who served as the 12th regional director since the department established office here in 1981.

Among the planned activities in the eleven engineering district offices prior to the 110th anniversary are consolidated workshops, reunions, cultural presentations.

The purpose is to give them importance of their contribution to the office operations.

He said that in the past years of President Arroyo’s administration, DPWH completed high impact projects in the region -- such as the concrete roads in Southern Leyte and some well-paved road sections along Samar Island.

We are committed to develop road networks that would link development projects within the food baskets in Leyte and Samar leading to the trade centers.

As of 2007, the region’s national roads and bridges totaled 2,315.59 kilometers. Gravel road accounted for 506.86 kilometers. Asphalt and concrete are 1,509.68 kilometers.

The state’s construction and engineering arm was created in 1898 when Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo issued an Organic Decree establishing the Philippine Revolutionary Government with four offices to include the Department of War and Public Works.

The agency has been renamed many times until January 30, 1987 where it is now known as DPWH. A regional office was created in Region 8 in 1981 in time with the merging of the Ministries of Public and Public Highways aimed at sustaining the implementation of infrastructure projects in the country.

In October 1982, a 1.4-hectares land area at the Government Center, Barangay Candahug of this town became the site of the DPWH regional office.