The effect brought by Typhoon Yolanda (Int. Haiyan) to the people of Tacloban City and its nearby municipalities is certainly worth remembering. The category-five typhoon caused devastation in thousands of families in the highly urbanized city, damaging both lives and properties.

After months of rehabilitation and recovery, the city regained its status as the center of commerce in the region and is thankful to those who aid the survivors of the November 8, 2013 tragedy.

To mark its first year anniversary, the city government of Tacloban will hold commemoration activities for Typhoon Haiyan.

Stated on its website, November 8, 2014"..will be a solemn day of remembering those we lost on that fateful day; of thanksgiving to God, to the aid community, and to fellow survivors and of healing – as we look to the future, build back better, and become an even more vibrant and resilient city.”

Here is the schedule of activities organized by the City Government to commemorate November 8:

NOVEMBER 8 COMMEMORATION ACTIVITIES

4:00 AM – Haiyan Run Around Tacloban – Rotary Club of Cancabato

7:00 AM – COMMEMORATIVE WALK (ASTRODOME – OLDROAD-IMELDA Ave. – Rizal Ave. –Justice Romualdez St – City Hall)

8:00 AM – Siren sound off –church bells – ringing – 1 minute Silent Prayer Followed by Thanksgiving Prayer (aloud) (Walks resumes)

10:00 AM – Memorial Services Blessing of the dead/Flower Offerings/Candle Lighting) Venue: Holy Cross Memorial Park Basper

10:30 AM – Group Activities Video Showing : Tacloban before Yolanda Tacloban during Yolanda Tacloban after Yolanda Venue: City Hall Grounds

4:30 PM – Holy Mass Sto. Niño Church

5:30 PM – Candle Lighting (from Airport to Nulatula) Sponsors: one Tacloban

6:00 PM – Concert City hall Choir UP Madrigal Singers Philharmonic Orchestra

6:00 PM – Torch Parade (APO Fraternity)

8:00 PM – Concert Rock bands of Tacloban

There will also be a concert on Friday, the night before the anniversary:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 –CONCERT

6:00 PM – Stage in front of City Hall featuring Green Melody Group with 5 Australian Artists and ten (10) from Manila.