The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will give special citation to its employees Danny Bitara, Municipal Link of Region V, and Noemi Mongaya, Municipal Link of Region VIII, who survived the Huey helicopter crash last year on December 6 while on their way to a relief work for ‘Yolanda’ victims in La Paz, Leyte.

The special citation will be awarded today, January 16, during the celebration of DSWD’s 63rd Founding Anniversary  at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.

“We believe that this is the best way to express our gratitude to these dedicated workers who risked their lives in the service of others,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said.

Mongaya and Bitara, who were with two pilots and personnel of the Philippine Airforce,  sustained various injuries from the incident. They were rescued by concerned citizens and given first aid by volunteer-doctors from Spain.

DSWD immediately provided them with financial and medical assistance.

Bitara was taken to a tent-hospital at the Tacloban City airport where he underwent surgical procedure on the stomach.

He was airlifted to Manila on December 9 and was admitted at the St. Luke’s Global City. He was discharged from the hospital on December 13 and is now recuperating at his home in Malilipot, Albay.

“I am very thankful that I survived. It has given me a new lease on life,” Bitara said.

Bitara vowed that he will continue to work in DSWD  “as long as services are needed.”

Mongaya, on the other hand, was airlifted to Cebu City and was rushed to Chong Hua Hospital where she underwent a major spinal operation. She was discharged from the hospital on December 17 and is now staying at the DSWD-Field Office VII Dormitory with her mother and cousins.

Her condition is gradually improving as she goes through a series of physical therapy sessions.

“I always remind myself that this is a lucky escape and I owe it to those who rescued and saved us. I am grateful to DSWD for looking after our needs,” Mongaya said.

With the theme “DSWD@63: Kaagapay sa Pagbangon at Bagong Simula,” this year’s DSWD anniversary will focus on recognizing the efforts and achievements of the Department and its employees especially in light of the recent calamities that hit the country. It also aims to celebrate the resiliency of the victims of last year’s disasters and the spirit of volunteerism among Filipinos for doing their share in helping others rebuild their lives. ###