TACLOBAN CITY (CIO) – Preparations are underway for a simple and solemn observance of the 6th Yolanda Anniversary on November 8 in Tacloban City with the local government leading the event in coordination with other stakeholders.

The City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) on Wednesday said that the City Government is opting for a low key, yet meaningful commemoration of the Yolanda Anniversary that will highlight the efforts of the LGU in providing the much-needed social services to the Yolanda-affected communities.

According to the CTOO, among the expected guest to the event is President Rodrigo Duterte and other national officials, several foreign envoys, and representatives of non-government organizations which helped Tacloban in the aftermath of the Super Typhoon will also be invited it said.

Reportedly, a water system for Tacloban North is scheduled to be inaugurated by the President on the same day as the anniversary.

Activities will start on November 7 with a 6:00 pm Holy Mass at the Anibong Shipwreck to be participated by Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez and the rest of the City Government Employees and Officials. The memorial service will be highlighted by a blessing and wreath-laying ceremony.

On November 8, the “unveiling” of the new memorial for the Yolanda victims at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Brgy Basper will coincide with a Holy Mass that will start at around 7:00 am. The monument which stands near the mass grave consists of a 10-meter Concrete Cross and a black oblique granite wall inscribed by the names of some 2,273 Yolanda casualties in Tacloban.

The commemorative program will be held at 9:00 am at the Tacloban City Convention Center (Astrodome). Among the guests for the commemorative program is President Duterte who is expected to give his message during the event.

Mayor Romualdez, Senator Imee Marcos, former senator Bongbong Marcos, Leyte 1st District, and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Tingog Party-list Representative Yedda Marie Romualdez are also expected to grace the program.

In the evening a concert will be held at the Balyu-an Grounds sponsored by Tingog Party-list. The concert replaces the party-list’s traditional Sky Lantern Memorial every November 8, which drew mixed reactions in the past years. A source privy to the plan said that ‘Tingog’ opted for the more ‘environmentally-friendly’ concert to heed the request of some sectors.

The simultaneous pealing of bells in Churches around Tacloban will signal the customary candlelight memorial at 6:00 pm. – H. J. Roca/CIO

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