In remembrance of the onslaught of the unnerving catastrophe and the lives of the departed souls, Eastern Visayas State University held a short commemoration ceremony of the 10th Anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda dubbed “Paghud-ong, Pagbáyaw, Paghalad: Dekada hin Pagtoo ngan Paglaom” in front of the Administration Building, Tuesday, November 7.
Said ceremony, attended by the University President Dr. Dennis C. de Paz, University Vice Presidents, key officials, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and students featured solemn activities as a tribute to the victims of the super typhoon.
Dr. de Paz in his ‘Pulong han Pagkaurusa ngan Panagdok’ highlighted the camaraderie and resiliency of the people as the central focus of this year’s celebration.
“My dearest EVSUnistas, this year’s commemoration centers on our strength in helping one another recover from the past and move forward with a stronger sense of responsibility and purpose,” he said.
Further, the president encouraged everyone to cultivate relationships with people and to always strive to make a consequential contribution to the community as they remember the priceless value of life.
The ceremony featured prayer offerings with Halad Santo Rosaryo (Holy Rosary) led by SASO Director, Dr. Sonia T Enrile while Dr. de Paz spearheaded the Wreath Laying as a respect to the souls of the Yolanda victims.
Moreover, the commemoration featured songs of hope and dance tributes from selected students and video presentations depicting the struggles and devastation of the victims and the resiliency of the survivors.
Eunice Abonitalla, a student from the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietitics expressed her gratitude towards the university for holding the event and described how she felt while participating in the commemoration.
“Very touching nga nag-organize an university hin sugad hine nga event. An firsthand experiences ko, matuoktuok hiya kay tigda nga nag-flashback an experiences agi gihap han mga clips nga nagpapakita an struggles han mga tawo. Nakaka-feel ka nga super cruel an kalibutan but at the same time nakada an spirit of resiliency nga bisan sugad an natabo, nakaya lagihap han mga tawo nga makabangon,” she expressed.
Meanwhile, Nina Rova shared her appreciation in conducting the event as it brought importance and honor to the people who already perished and the resiliency of the survivors in overcoming the devastation.
“I appreciate na nagcommemorate sila [university] because by commemorating this, we can remember the past and bring importance to the people who already passed away and the stregth nga nag-stay sa people nga nagsurvive,” she exclaimed.
The event ended with the candle lighting ceremony, prayer offering and community singing.
Article by Liziel Altejar