The Tacloban City government will hold a simple and solemn observance of the sixth anniversary of typhoon “Yolanda,” of one of the country’s most destructive natural disasters, tomorrow, Nov. 8.
The City Tourism Operations Office said the city government has opted for a low key yet meaningful commemoration of the sixth anniversary of Yolanda (international name “Haiyan”) to highlight their efforts in providing the much-needed social services to survivors of the tropical cyclone.
It added that among the expected guests in the event is Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, representing President Duterte, other national officials, foreign envoys, and representatives of non-government organizations that helped the city in the aftermath of the typhoon.
A water system for Tacloban North will be inaugurated tomorrow, coinciding with the event.
Henry James Roca, Tacloban City information officer, said activities for the sixth anniversary of Yolanda start today, Nov. 7, beginning with a mass at the Anibong shipwreck here at 6 p.m. to be attended by Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez and city government employees and officials. The memorial service will be highlighted by a blessing and wreath-laying ceremony.
“On Nov. 8, the unveiling of the new memorial for the Yolanda victims at the Holy Cross cemetery in Barangay Basper will coincide with a mass that will start at around 7 a.m. The monument which stands near the mass grave consists of a 10-meter concrete cross and a black oblique granite wall inscribed by the names of some 2,273 Yolanda casualties in Tacloban,” he shared.
He added that the commemorative program will be held at 9 a.m. at the Tacloban City Convention Center (Astrodome).
Duterte is expected to give his message during the event.
Mayor Romualdez, Sen. Imee Marcos, former Sen. Bongbong Marcos, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, and Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez are also expected to grace the program.
An evening concert will be held at the Balyu-an grounds sponsored by Tingog party-list. The concert replaces the party-list’s traditional sky lantern memorial every Nov. 8, which drew flak in the past years.
A source privy to the plan said that Tingog opted for the more environmentally-friendly concert to heed the request of some sectors. (Marie Tonette Marticio)
