A solemn observance marked the eleventh anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda, honoring the thousands of lives lost and recognizing the resilience that carried Tacloban City through one of history’s deadliest storms.

The commemoration began on November 7, 2024, with an evening mass at the Anibong Shipwreck Memorial, officiated by Rev. Fr. Ronnie Mora, who also led the blessing of the shipwreck—M/V Eva Jocelyn, which rammed into houses and claimed several lives during the storm surge.

Reflecting on the purpose of Yolanda survivors, Mayor Alfred Romualdez said, “There is a reason why we survived this storm. We have a purpose in life, and that purpose is to teach the next generation how to prepare for calamities and disasters.” He noted that the city made it through the dark times “because millions of people prayed for us,“ adding, “I branded the city, ‘City of Hope’ because I realized that so many prayers made that hope be realized.”

The following day, Mayor Romualdez along with Liga ng mga Barangay President Raymund Romualdez, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sakamoto Takema, and other government officials and employees joined surviving families at a mass in Holy Cross Memorial Garden, led by Rev. Fr. Edgard Bugna and Rev. Fr. Duo Ming Pei.

In his message, the mayor offered condolences to the victims’ families and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the various donors and partners who were instrumental in Tacloban’s recovery and rebuilding.

A wreath-laying ceremony and blessing of the Yolanda Memorial Marker followed at the Astrodome, concluding with a candle-lighting ceremony as tribute to those who died during the tragedy.

Apart from the solemn observances, the city government held a “Baragayan” event at Barangay 105 Suhi, providing essential services to over 2,000 residents. This regular community outreach program brings free essential services directly to the people, especially in underserved areas.