Today marks the 9th Year of the onslaught of the Super Typhoon Yolanda. We remember it as one family in the University – we are a community of survivors. Each one of us is a living testament of faith, hope and resiliency.
This commemoration is a manifestation of our continued desire to remember our faithful departed loved ones and friends we lost because of the typhoon. As we keep the memories of the pasts, do not stop sharing our learnings and lessons during and after the onslaught of Yolanda. For this has become our utmost responsibility to share to the world. Nine years ago, and since then, we have become a people of courage, kindness, and fortitude, rising above the rubbles of destruction.
Nine years ago, our lives have significant changed. Our homes and this University have also suffered from the destruction. Many people have lost their lives to the typhoon. But at some point, when everything seemed hopeless, our beacon of hope was each other. We drew strength from one another – our family, relatives, workmates, and friends. Together, we weathered that storm. We have rebuilt our lives again.
My dearest EVSUnistas, this year’s commemoration centers on our strength in helping one another recover from the past. The candle we lit today symbolizes LIGHT – light to see the brighter side of what happened to us. Let us be reminded of the value we put on relationships with friends and families because at the end of the day, those are the things that truly matter.
Nine years have passed yet we are still healing from the wounds of the past. Today is a reminder to see the good even in the most difficult and challenging moments of our lives.
Typhoon Yolanda was a litmus test to us all – either we choose to fall apart or come together as one. I am glad we chose the latter.
We all remember.
We will never forget.
Eternal rest be granted unto the departed souls and let your perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
