The second year commemoration of the Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) went well. Even if it was raining, thousands of people in Eastern Visayas especially in Tacloban City took part of the various activities dedicated to the victims of the super typhoon which struck most part of the region during that frightful morning of November 8, 2013.

The highlights of the two-day commemoration was the candle lighting activity along the main streets of Tanauan, Tolosa, Palo and Tacloban City, unveiling of the memorial markers in Anibong, Sagkahan, and installation of the commemorative tablet at Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport where Pope Francis celebrated a Holy Mass on January 7, 2015, a spot which was considered as ground zero during the said typhoon.

Speaking of memorials, there have been many memorials which have been built in honor of the victims and the people who helped the survivors to build back what was destroyed by Haiyan. Here are some pictures of the memorials made after super typhoon Yolanda:

1. M/V Eva Jocelyn Yolanda Memorial Marker, Anibong, Tacloban City

Unveiled on November 7, 2015. This is the actual bow of the M/V Eva Jocelyn made into a memorial marker. This memorial is in honor of the residents of Barangays; 67, 68, and 69 who died in that spot when this cargo vessel was swept ashore by a gigantic storm surge that was caused by the strong wind that reaches 375 miles per hour.

Read more about this here: The Unveiling of Anibong Memorial Marker

2. Yolanda Memorial Monument, Sagkahan, Tacloban City

The Astrodome Memorial Marker was unveiled on November 8, 2015 located in Sagkahan District, Tacloban City beside Tacloban Convention Center where more than 8 thousand people evacuated and survived the storm surge.

If you want to see more photos of Astrodome Memorial Marker more photos check out our facebook page here: FAQ.ph

3. Holy Cross Memorial Park, Brgy. Basper, Tacloban City

This mass grave is located in Brgy. Basper, Tacloban City is the final resting place of thousands of people who died during the Super Typhoon Yolanda. This was 3,000 white crosses were put on top of the mass grave as markers where families, relatives and friends could put a flower, light a candle and offer a prayer for their loved ones who lost their lives during the storm.

4. Araw Memorial Park, Government Center, Palo

Araw Memorial Park is located at Brgy Candahug, Palo, Leyte. This shows both the post Yolanda response and the sacrifices of Filipino soldiers during the Korean War in the 1950s.

This was unveiled on December 5, 2014 a few days before the South Korea Military Joint Support Group left. Since December 2013 the South Koreans were able to repair of 66 public buildings including; 37 schools and 25 government facilities. They also helped in the clearing operations, medical services and feeding programs.

To see more photos of Araw Memorial Park, check out our facebook page at FAQ.ph

5. Eternal Flame Memorial Garden Common Graves, Palo, Leyte

Eternal Flame Memorial Garden Common Graves located in Brgy. San Joaquin, Palo, Leyte is the final resting place of 378 residents of the said barangay who lost their lives to the Super Typhoon Yolanda.

The memorial is located right outside San Joaquin Parish. Names of the residents who were buried in the mass grave are written on granite. There is also a shade-like structure with names of the people who died including their birth date and death. There is also a sculpture of a candle at the center called “Eternal Flame”, instead of flame; a praying hand would be seen on top.

See more photos of this memorial here: FAQ.ph

6. Tanauan Yolanda Monument, Tanauan, Leyte

The place where Yolanda Monument stands now was once a mass grave located in Barangay Calogcog, Tanauan, Leyte. More than 200 people are buried in this memorial park which was blessed on March 31, 2015.

7. Yolanda Memorial Marker, Sta. Rita, Samar

The Yolanda Memorial Marker in Candaya Rotunda in Sta. Rita, Samar was put up and blessed last year during the commemoration of the Super Typhoon Yolanda.

These memorials will be there to remind us all and the next generation about the horrible devastation done by the strongest typhoon ever to hit the Philippines. They likewise represent the resilience of Filipinos that no matter how harsh the condition gets, no matter how much we lost, no matter how much pain we endure and how hopeless the situation gets, we will always get back on our feet and continue to fight back whatever challenges that may come our way.

Little by little we have recovered from the great loss. As we can see, most of the places which were greatly damaged two years ago are in a much better state than it was before. We can see new establishments opening which also opens an opportunity for a reliable income to the locals. As we move forward to a new and better life, may we never forget the people who helped us during the darkest days of Eastern Visayas. And may we also find it in our heart forgiveness for the people who did not despite their capacity to do so.