By Mario Casayuran
Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), today (June 15) remembers that 29 years ago, the second most destructive volcanic eruption of the 20th century was experienced by Filipinos.
Senator Richard Gordon
(Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN)
The blast of Mt. Pinatubo was 200 times greater than in Hiroshima that killed 800 lives, destroyed billions of pesos worth of properties, and affected more than two million lives.
Before that cataclysmic explosion on June 15, 1991, the volcano was dormant for 400 years. It is located 100 kilometers northwest of Manila.
“Today we are reminded in the midst of (coronavirus disease) COVID-19, the Filipino spirit of resilience and camaraderie perseveres,’’ Gordon said.
“Kapag nagsama ang lider at ang tao, lalabas ang galing ng Pilipino (When there is unity between the leader and the people, the resilience of the Filipino emerges),” he said.