Palo, Leyte, Eastern Visayas – The Department of Education, Regional Office VIII commemorated its 40th Founding Anniversary on July 6-7, 2015 with the theme “Padayon: Rebuilding Hope in Eastern Visayas.” This year, DepEd RO8 has continued rebuilding in all aspects after the devastation back in November 2013. This year’s anniversary was a remarkable event for DepEd RO8 since it highlighted its milestones for the past four (4) decades since its inauguration in 1975. As an institution, DepEd Region 8 has gone through significant reforms that made great impact on education in Eastern Visayas – transformations that made education in the region quality and accessible. The two-day festivity commenced with mass in the morning and ribbon cutting of the Project BEST office. A street dancing around the Government Center and basketball games participated by Schools Division Superintendents and permanent employees of DepEd RO8 was conducted to add vivacity to the celebration.

Forty-Fun Night “Karisyo Kwarenta” was decorated with dominant ruby color costumes of polka dots and checkered designs to symbolize unity, harmony and resiliency of the institution. There were presentations by decades to depict the different milestones of DepEd RO8. One of the highlights of the activity was the awarding ceremony which aimed to recognize DEPED RO8 teaching and non-teaching employees for the exemplary performance that contributed to the success of the implementation of DepEd’s programs and projects. A Tech-Voc Booth Display will also showcase the unique features and the progress of DepEd RO8 for the last (4) decades. This will include display of products and services offered by Tech-Voc schools. Regional Director Luisa Bautista-Yu, in her message, underscored the importance of the event and urged everyone to continue to work together and unite for quality education.