TACLOBAN CITY — Thirteen years after massive storm surges devastated coastal communities across Eastern Visayas, Tacloban City will gather to honor the memory of the thousands of lives lost during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
On the eve of the 13th anniversary, the City Government of Tacloban is hosting a solemn requiem mass and commemorative ceremony on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Anibong Shipwreck Memorial Park in Barangay Anibong.
Honoring The Victims At The Remains Of MV Eva Jocelyn
The memorial site—centered around the preserved bow of the cargo ship MV Eva Jocelyn—serves as one of the most prominent symbols of the disaster. Swept inland by powerful storm surges on November 8, 2013, the vessel destroyed dozens of homes along the Anibong coastline before being transformed by the city government into an official memorial park and shrine.
The afternoon program will feature:
Requiem Mass (5:00 PM): A holy mass offered for the souls of those who perished and for the continued healing of surviving families.
Wreath-Laying Ceremony: Formal offering of flowers at the base of the MV Eva Jocelyn bow by local officials, disaster responders, and community leaders.
Candlelighting: A candlelight vigil surrounding the shrine to remember victims and celebrate the resilience of Taclobanons over the past 13 years.
Thirteen Years Of Remembrance And Resilience
Super Typhoon Yolanda struck central Philippines in November 2013, causing unprecedented loss of life and property across Leyte and Samar. In Tacloban alone, thousands of residents died or went missing, prompting citywide infrastructure rebuilding, coastal relocation initiatives, and enhanced disaster preparedness protocols.
The City Government invites all residents, pilgrims, and visitors to join the solemn gathering in Barangay Anibong to offer prayers, light candles, and pay tribute to the enduring strength of the community.
