20/06/2023
On November 8th, 2013, the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Haiyan, also known locally as Super Typhoon Yolanda, shook the city of Tacloban, Philippines. The M/V Eva Jocelyn, anchored in the city harbor, tragically ran aground due to a 7-meter high storm surge propelled by winds exceeding 370km/hr. The storm surge claimed the lives of residents in Brgy. Anibong, Tacloban City, and left a trail of destruction throughout the region. The death toll reached approximately 6,300, surpassing the casualties of the June 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption by 7.4 times.
The shipwreck of M/V Eva Jocelyn serves as a poignant memorial, representing the lives lost in the City of Tacloban on that apocalyptic day. It stands as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Taclobanons, who have since advocated for resiliency and adaptation to the new normal in the face of future challenges, a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
On the eve of the second year anniversary commemoration, November 7, 2015, this memorial was unveiled, serving as a symbol of remembrance and reflection.
Having resided in Tacloban for 12 years, from June 2005 to June 2017, this city holds a special place in my heart. Although I was overseas during the devastating Super Typhoon, I witnessed the profound impact it had on numerous friends and their families. As I stand here today, visiting this location for the first time, memories of what Tacloban used to be before that fateful Friday seem distant and blurred. Almost a decade has passed since that tragic event, further emphasizing the resilience and progress the city has made in the face of adversity.
Yeah, it's been almost 10 years! The city and the people have moved on and continue to move forward.