TACLOBAN CITY, (PNA) – Residents here marked the 2nd year anniversary of super typhoon Yolanda with the presence of politicians who are not affiliated with the ruling party and some are critic to the Aquino administration.
No cabinet members were present during the two-day commemorative activities, but senatorial aspirant, Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said that that key national officials, including Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III were all invited.
“We always make sure that everyone is invited as a matter of protocol, but I guess they have other schedule as well and we understand,” said the solon, who was in charged of inviting national officials.
Gracing various activities were presidential bet, Vice President Jejomar Binay and his running mate, Sen. Gregorio Honasan.
With them were senatorial candidates under Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) party – Alma Moreno, Rey Langit, Princess Jacel Kiram, Getulio Napeñas, and Allan Montaño. The Leyte congressman is also running under UNA.
Also present were Romualdez cousin and vice presidential bet, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Binay’s daughter, Sen. Nancy, and independent senatorial bet and former Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino.
In his brief speech Saturday night during the unveiling of a memorial marker in Anibong village, Binay did not criticize the administration, but instead lauded the survivors for their resilience.
“You are a good example of how resilient you are. Despite the tragedy, you are still there and you never lose faith in God and I congratulate you,” the Vice President said.
“Sometimes when we are in our most desperate times and moments, it will never always bring out the best in us, but we are grateful for all the help given to us,” the mayor told the crowd.
Higlighting the commemoration was a walk of about 2,000 survivors from different sites to the city astrodome. It was followed with a mass; unveiling of marker; message of the mayor; and renditions of Philippine Madrigal singers, vicariate of Tacloban choir, and Douglas Nierras power dance. (PNA)
CTB/SQM
