Work, classes suspended in Tacloban for ‘Yolanda’ anniversary

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 7  -- The city government here suspended all classes and work in government offices on Wednesday as the city observes the 4th anniversary of super typhoon "Yolanda" that killed more than 2,000 of its residents.

Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez signed on Monday an executive order declaring Nov. 8, 2017 as non-working day.

The city council also enacted Ordinance No. ‎2017-13-29 declaring November 8 of every year, as a "Day of Remembrance and Gratitude" in the city.

Romualdez on Tuesday said several activities had been lined up to remember the tragedy and celebrate the resilience of survivors.

“Tacloban City has already recovered and has been building back better. We would like to thank President Rodrigo Duterte for addressing the post-disaster needs of our city,” she told reporters.

On Tuesday night, the local government will sponsor a mass and short program, which include a wreath-laying and candle offering ceremony at the shipwreck site in Anibong district.

The Anibong memorial features a bow of M/V Eva Jocelyn, a cargo ship which was washed ashore by the big waves whipped by "Yolanda’s" killer winds on November 8, 2013. The ship rammed into 14 houses and killed at least 11 people.

Key local government officials, city hall employees, and village officials will participate in a commemorative walk from the city hall to the astrodome, to be followed by a Mass and commemorative program at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Presidential Assistant Wendel Avisado, who also oversees the "Yolanda" Rehabilitation, will read the message from President Rodrigo Duterte during the program, according to the city government’s website.

The traditional simultaneous candle-lighting along the streets of Tacloban will also be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, to be followed by the releasing of sky lanterns.

Last August, the House committee on revision of laws approved a bill seeking to declare November 8 of every year as "Yolanda Commemoration Day" and a special non-working holiday in Eastern Visayas.

House Bill 4383 authored by Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez is "a fitting tribute” to the victims of the disaster, and in recognition of the selflessness of volunteers and organizations that contributed in the recovery and rehabilitation efforts of the communities affected by the typhoon. (SQM/VCA/PNA)