 |
| Following preparations for the event, the DPWH-TCDEO assured a working venue for the 9th Anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda. Photo: DPWH-TCDEO |
TACLOBAN CITY – The Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) worked with the City Government of Tacloban to prepare the Holy Cross Memorial Garden for the national event "Pagdumdum: The 9th Year Commemoration of Super Typhoon Yolanda" on November 8, 2022.
District Engineer Johnny M. Acosta oversaw all event preparations with the help of his team from the Maintenance Section, which included Section Chief Engr. Marichu T. Eduarte and her staff. The muddy areas of the venue were reduced by covering them with a thick layer of dry soil and flattening the ground with a compactor. They also used a road sweeper truck provided by the DPWH Leyte 1st to sweep the pathways inside the Memorial Garden, which were previously covered in mud and leaves.
The event was also attended by key officials from various departments. Senator Francis N. Tolentino, for example, arrived early at the venue. Karla Estrada and Raymond Romualdez were among those who attended the commemoration.
The program began with a Holy Mass led by the Bishop Emeritus of Naval, Filomeno G. Bactol, D.D., and the homily was delivered by Msgr. Erlito A. Maraya. The Philippine Madrigal Singers also performed the Eucharistic Songs for the mass. Following that, the gravestones of those who died from Super Typhoon Yolanda were blessed with holy water.
Lastly, key officials such as Tacloban City Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, and, most importantly, his Excellency and guest of honor, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., delivered messages to the public.
"If we stop commemorating, their memory dies, and it is up to us to keep their memory alive," President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said in his speech, emphasizing the significance of the Ninth Year Commemoration of Super Typhoon Yolanda.