LEGAZPI CITY – Families, friends, relatives, and survivors of Typhoon Reming (International name: Durian) attended a mass and lit candles at the Padang Memorial Shrine here on Thursday as they commemorated the 17th anniversary of the storm that caused massive losses of life, livelihood and infrastructure.
Albayanos consider Reming as one of the deadliest typhoons to hit the province. At the height of its fury, mudflows from Mayon Volcano buried scores of houses in Barangay Padang.
Hundreds of people are still missing to date, believed to have perished in the tragedy.
Roger Bermundo Sr., 56, a resident of Purok 1, recalled that his family was among those swept away by lahar.
“It’s hard to forget. For 17 years, I’ve been missing my family so much. Every time I remember the incident, I cry alone. My wife and my two sons died together with other 23 members of our family. They were all missing,” Bermundo tearfully said.
He said the trauma of the incident gets back every time a storm hits the province.
“We are now more prepared. We evacuate every time the local government unit (LGU) tells us to evacuate. We help each other. I don’t want to experience that super typhoon and devastation again. I’m living with my two remaining sons and I don’t want to let them go anymore. They are my inspiration to continue life and now they are grown-ups, I always tell them to never forget the memories of their mother and two siblings,” Bermundo said in the vernacular.
Meanwhile, Ako Bicol Party-List (AKB) Rep. Elizaldy Co vowed continuous support to the Bicolano people especially those who are in need and experiencing disaster.
“Seventeen years ago, Super Typhoon Reming brought unimaginable devastation to our beloved Bicol. Maraming Bicolano ang namatay, naulila at nawalan ng tahanan (many lost life, became orphaned and homeless). We grieved, we rebuilt, and most importantly, we grew stronger together,” Co said in a video message.
Typhoon Reming’s disastrous impact led to the creation of the AKB, which started as a non-government organization under the name “SOS Bicol,” with the main purpose of assisting victims of typhoons in recovery and championing development in the region.
“The formation of the Ako Bicol Party List is a testament to our collective resilience and dedication. Since then, our journey has been one of unwavering commitment to assist, uplift, and support every Bicolano,” Co said.
He said the Reming anniversary commemoration is not only a reflection on the past but a continued dedication to the party’s commitment to the Bicolano people.
“Our promise for tomorrow is clear: to continue serving, supporting, and empowering every Bicolano,” Co said. I Connie Calipay
