VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte delivered a message on the 10th anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda‘s devastating impact on the Philippines on November 8, 2013.
In her message, Vice President Duterte remembers the thousands of lives lost due to the striking force of one of the most destructive typhoons in the country’s history.
“Typhoon Yolanda left an indelible mark on our hearts, but it also revealed the extraordinary resilience and strength of those who were affected. In the midst of unimaginable destruction, we witnessed the unwavering spirit of Filipinos, who rose above adversity and rebuilt their lives with determination and courage,” according to President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte.
Vice President Duterte said that this commemoration should serve as a reminder of the importance of disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation, and disaster preparedness.
“It is crucial that we learn from the lessons of the past and take proactive steps to prevent such catastrophic events from happening again,” VP Duterte added.
VP Sara Duterte appealed to the public to support the “PagbaBAGo, A Million Trees” program of the Office of the Vice President, which aims to plant one million trees by 2028, she also emphasized the need to invest in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and education on disaster preparedness to protect communities and mitigate the impact of calamities.
She remembered and honored the lives lost during the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda, and recognized the dedication and efforts of first responders, volunteers, and organizations that assisted affected communities.
“Today, as we remember the lives lost, let us unite in solidarity and recommit ourselves to creating a safer, more resilient future defined by sustainable development. Together, we can build communities that are better prepared to face the challenges posed by natural disasters and climate change,” Duterte stated.
