𝟭𝟭 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮: 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 by Jonalyn Eman

Today, November 8, 2024, the Abuyog Local Government Unit (LGU) marked the 11th anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) with a reflective activity such as solemn mass, wreath laying and candle lighting to honor the lives lost and the resilience of its community.

Yolanda, which devastated much of the Visayas region, including Abuyog in Leyte, left an indelible mark on the town’s people and infrastructure.

Held at the Abuyog LSM grounds fronting St. Francis Xavier monument, the LGU organized a solemn eucharistic mass presided by St. Francis Xavier Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Noel Abrenio, attended by local leaders, LGU employees, ACC faculty, staff and students coming together to offer prayers to the people who perished during the said calamity.

The ceremony emphasized gratitude for the rebuilding efforts and the strength that Abuyog residents have shown in the face of such a massive tragedy.

The 11th anniversary of Yolanda is a powerful reminder of the Filipino spirit—the capacity to endure unimaginable hardships, to honor the past, and to look forward with hope.

Today, survivors are no longer defined solely by tragedy; instead, they are symbols of resilience, strength, and the power of community.

As we remember Yolanda’s impact, let us also celebrate the courage of those who have rebuilt their lives and continue to work towards a safer and more resilient future.

Through remembrance, we honor the past; through resilience, we build a better tomorrow.