The Department of Public Works and Highways – Eastern Samar District Engineering Office provided assistance to the victims of Typhoon Odette in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte on December 30, 2021 through the DPWH Operation Malasakit.

Almost 500 households from barangays Himbangan, Hindag-an and Lipanto are the beneficiaries of the relief operation spearheaded by District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia.

According to District Engineer Junia, these chosen barangays are severely hit by Typhoon Odette on December 16, 2021 and most of their houses were totally destroyed by the typhoon.

The head of the district office initiated the relief operation in Southern Leyte after she witnessed the aftermath of Typhoon Odette during the clearing operation they conducted with the DPWH Eastern Samar maintenance crew on December 19-22, 2021.

Also, the Rank and File Employees Association (RAFEA), heads of section, and employees of DPWH Eastern Samar donated cash, used clothes, and sacks of rice for the relief operation.

Others joined the packing of the relief packages and the distribution of the relief goods.

“This is our opportunity to help our neighboring province. I understand that the Estehanons experienced the same during the wrath of typhoons Yolanda and Ruby in the previous years, which is why Eastern Samar DEO is very passionate about organizing this relief operation to extend help to the victims of Typhoon Odette,” DE Junia added.

DE Junia further said that the items to be given away may not be much in number, however, it will surely help a number of families to get by for a couple of days until they fully recover from the aftermath of the typhoon. (DPWH-ESDEO)