'Yolanda'-hit Leyte town unveils image of French saint

TANAUAN, Leyte, Nov. 9  -- This coastal town has unveiled an image of a French saint as new "Yolanda" memorial.

The project in partnership with the local government and Philippine National Police (PNP), had set up the icon of St. Medard of Noyon, a sixth-century bishop in France, the patron saint for protection from bad weather.

Two personnel from the PNP Eastern Visayas regional office made the life-size image as a reminder to people to learn from the lessons of natural calamities.

“St. Medard can be our vessel for our prayers to God when we ask protection is times of calamities and disaster. This includes the storm or problems that we experience on our personal lives,” said PNP Regional Director, Chief Supt. Gilbert Cruz, during the unveiling late Wednesday afternoon.

Leyte Vice Governor Carlo Loreto, who was involved in the project planning, said the image will help people strengthen their faith in God.

“St. Medard can also be a vessel of our belief that vas Christians there are saints who can help us link our prayers to God,” Loreto said.

The icon will also serve as reminder to people to protect the environment from the effects of climate change, he said. “St. Medard is our vessel for our aspiration for a better and more sustainable environment.”

Loreto said the image at the junction of this town’s San Roque village is just one of the several icons planned to be installed in areas in Leyte hit by the super typhoon.

The image was placed in San Roque since it is the largest village in this town. About 300 villagers perished when big waves whipped by "Yolanda’s" powerful winds hit the town. Official tally placed the number of deaths at 1,836 in the entire town.

Meanwhile in Palo town, thousands of residents flocked to mass grave sites to remember the victims of the 2013 monster typhoon.

Survivors offered flowers and lighted candles in specific places where people perished on Nov. 8, 2013.

Mayor RemediosPetilla said that after four years, survivors have already moved on from the catastrophe.

“Based on a survey, we found out that almost all of the residents of Palo who went to other places after 'Yolanda' are already back to their hometown and have been rebuilding their lives,” Petilla said.

The coastal town located between Tanauan town and Tacloban City also remembered the victims through songs, poetry, and dances. (RTA/LAAA/PNA)