Tacloban City - Local governments across Eastern Visayas have declared a suspension of work and classes on Wednesday in remembrance of the 10th anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda, which wrought vast destruction in the region in 2013.
According to Philippines News Agency, the respective local governments, mayors from the affected areas issued executive orders on Tuesday to allow citizens to participate in memorial activities for the disaster. Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez emphasized the importance of the suspension, acknowledging the profound impact of Typhoon Yolanda and the need for a somber commemoration.
The orders impacted various municipalities, including Palo, Tanauan, Tolosa, and many others within Leyte province. Regions in Eastern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte also observed suspensions. While these orders were given, there is ongoing legislation, yet to be passed, that seeks to formalize November 8 as 'Yolanda Commemoration Day' in the Eastern Visayas region, following a bill approved by the House of Representatives in 2019 and another still pending in the Senate from 2017.
Super Typhoon Yolanda, which made its first landfall in Guiuan on November 8, is remembered for its devastating impact, resulting in an official death toll of 6,300, with the majority of casualties in the Eastern Visayas.