Tacloban City looks back, moves forward

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — It happened on Nov. 8, 2013 but the memories of the catastrophe were still vivid among Taclobanons who survived Supertyphoon Yolanda that hit this eastern part of the Visayas. They recounted tales of loss and survival during the province’s fourth-year commemoration of the tragedy.

As early as 7 a.m., people converged at the Tacloban Astrodome to participate in the various activities dedicated to the victims of the supertyphoon. The program started with a Holy Mass that was also attended by Mayor Cristina “Kring” Gonzalez-Romualdez, her husband former mayor Alfred Romualdez, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s representative Presidential Asst. for Special Concerns Wendel Avisado, the city government officials and employees. 

In her speech, Mayor Kring said, “We remember the 8th of November because that day has truly defined us as a people and as a city — because we need to look back for us to move forward.

“Ironically, the strongest typhoon to hit our country brought lessons on governance, disaster preparedness, even personal life lessons. We were never the same after Typhoon Yolanda. We were changed by tragedy, hopefully for the better.”

Alfred, on the other hand, revealed that he had mixed feelings every time he steps inside the astrodome that was a silent witness to the happy and sad times of his hometown. Equally reminding him of sorrowful moments is Brgy. Anibong where the tip of M/V Eva Jocelyn now serves as memorial marker. It was made in honor of the residents who died in the area when the said cargo vessel was swept ashore during a storm surge caused by the strong winds that reached 375 kilometers per hour.

Alfred recalled gloomy scenes like collecting lifeless bodies in almost every nook and cranny of Tacloban, the heart-wrenching sight of survivors mourning for their dead loved ones and how many of his then constituents had been left homeless. 

“Our task then was to collect all the bodies that we see, that we could recover and give them dignity, decent burial,” said Alfred who never failed to recognize the good in men regardless of faith and nationality. 

“Almost all countries in the world came to help regardless of their ideas, faith...Tumulong ang international Red Cross, DOH, malaking tulong ang PNP, Army. Everybody was helping. Nagkaisa tayo. Why? Because I knew one day this day will come when we will be remembering our dead.”

Alfred told everyone not to forget about what happened since it served a great lesson. “It will save lives, malungkot naman kung halos buong mundo ay natuto sa Yolanda at tayo ay hindi pa.”

He added, “Nov. 8 will never be forgotten in Tacloban. It is our duty as parents to teach our children and our children’s children the lessons of Yolanda so they can be better prepared not only physically and financially, but most importantly, spiritually.”

He also encouraged people to face life’s troubles in order to be wiser. “Sa buhay n’yo ’pag may problema o trahedya, kadikit n’yan leksyon kaya ’wag atrasan, ’wag takbuhan. Face it because definitely, you will learn something from it,” said Alfred who also led the offering of candles and wreath-laying ceremonies in Anibong Memorial with Mayor Kring, and also at the Astrodome Memorial. 

The line-up of activities also included performances from I Love Tacloban Band, Eastern Visayas State University Dance Company and the Douglas Nierras’ dancers who also served as back-up for guest artist Wency Cornejo. The former AfterImage vocalist entertained the crowd with his hit compositions Next in Line, Hanggang and Mangarap Ka. He, too, had a duet with Vanessa Vallejos who composed Tacloban City’s song of hope titled Bangon Tacloban. 

Four years after Yolanda, Tacloban is again abuzz with activities. Its economy is getting back into shape again what with the continuous building of business establishments like malls, hotels, cafés, restaurants, banks, etc. Improvements of parks and churches are in near completion. Streetlights, improved forms of transportation, housing, water system and livelihood programs are part of the government’s projects and priorities. - Photos by Ver Paulino