To mark the 9th anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) held a short commemoration ceremony dubbed as ‘Paghinumdom’, in front of the university Administration Building, Monday, November 7.

Said ceremony, attended by the University President Dr. Dennis C. de Paz, University Vice Presidents, key officials, teaching personnel, and students featured solemn activities as a tribute to the victims of the super typhoon.

University Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Benedicto Militante Jr., started the ceremony with a Prayer Offering, while Dr. de Paz spearheaded the Wreath Laying as a respect to the souls of the Yolanda victims.

Moreover, the commemoration ceremony featured a Dance Tribute rendered by the SamLeYaw Performing Arts group, and presentations of Songs of Hope by EVSU Koro Waraynon, Giselle Janna Joyce Morcilla and Kween Deypalam.

Ashley Rose De Cadiz, a freshman student from Bachelor of Science in Economics (BSEcon), expressed her gratitude to the university for holding such an event and for taking part in commemorating the late loved ones of the students.

“The university’s event today is very significant to all of us [students] to remember our late family members, friends, and loved ones, especially that we didn’t expect the massive effect of the super typhoon Yolanda,” said De Cadiz.

Meanwhile, Francis Cabanganan, President of the College of Arts and Sciences Students Organization (CASSO), shared that he was not around during the typhoon but still shared his perspective after watching the news of the typhoon.

“This is my first commemoration of the super typhoon Yolanda since I was in Quezon City, Manila studying in junior high school. I was 13 when I watched the news. At that age, you really don’t know what is happening, but I know that my fellow Filipinos needed relief goods, water, shelter, and a shoulder to lean on,” Cabanganan said in an interview.

Before the ceremony came to an end, students from different departments gathered around to celebrate the Lighting of Candles, prayed for their beloved family members and friends who are no longer with them, as well as to reminisced the day that made us think that all is lost in the dark, but still fought in the end to find the light.

Article by Carol Morados and Ma. Julia Dela Rea