Tacloban City, Leyte – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Education (DepEd) gathered government workers, teachers and volunteers for some pampering activities on Monday, December 9, exactly a month after ‘Yolanda’ ravaged Eastern Visayas.

“This is a special day for our government workers, teachers and volunteers who are victims themselves yet continue to demonstrate their selflessness by helping others,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said.

Dubbed “Feel Good” Project, the event had the participants treated to free hair cut and make-over from trained make-up artists.

It is intended to boost their morale and provide positive reinforcement as they continue to help victims recover and move on from the tragedy.

The first session was held in the morning in Palo while the afternoon session was done in the city.

According to DepEd Sec. Brother Armin Luistro,  the project was inspired by the story of a teacher who found time to fix herself despite being a victim.

“I met a teacher a few days after the typhoon. She was wearing a lipstick. I was amazed by her reply when I asked her why  she is wearing a lipstick,” Sec. Luistro recalled.

“Gusto ko Brother, kapag nakita ako ng mga students ko sa pagsimula ng klase, maayos ang itsura ko. Gusto kong isipin nila na nakabangon na ako para sila rin, ma-inspire na bumangon (Brother, I want to look good when my students will see me. I want them to think that I have recovered so that they will be inspired to also move on),” Bro. Luistro said relating the response of the teacher.

Private groups such as Bato Balani Foundation, Young Public Servants, Ang-Hortaleza Foundation, Reyes Haricutters,L’Oreal Philippines, Splash Corporation, and RockEd  joined the activity.

Reyes Haircutters and Hortaleza gave free hair-cut,  L’Oreal conducted make-up demonstrations and gave away goodies, and Splash distributed freebies.

During her message, Sec. Soliman said, “We want to take care of you because you are taking good care of the victims here. This is our way to thank all of you.”

For his part, Sec. Luistro stated, “Seldom do government workers receive words of gratitude for their work, but this time, in behalf of the whole bureaucracy, we are here to thank all of you.”

The participants were also thankful for the initiative.

DSWD-Field Office VIII staff, Jean Bauzon, said, “Magaan ang pakiramdam! Naiba. Nabawasan yung buhok ko at meron pang freebies. (I feel light. I feel different. And there are freebies).”

Another DSWD staff, Luchie Balantad exclaimed, “I feel good! I feel beautiful again.”

Dolores Taon, a teacher, also said, “Nakagaan ng loob! Napahusay kami. Excellent service. (It helps us feel light-hearted. We now look better).”

Tree of Hope

Another highlight of the event was the gathering of participants led by Sec. Soliman and Sec. Luistro around the Tree of Hope to say their humble prayers for the recovery and rebirth of Eastern Visayas and to reawaken the Christmas season.

Singers Aiza Seguerra and Jaime Garchitorena as well as Gang Badoy of RockEd also graced the activity.

Seguerra sang a Christmas song as the Tree of Hope was lit up.

The tree contained messages of government employees, teachers and students from all over the country for the victims of ‘Yolanda.’

A lot of people were crying during this part because it was the first time, for most people in the city, to hear a Christmas song after the tragedy. ###