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Tacloban City's Yolanda Commemorative Ride raises P15 million for 'Rolly' victims
Tacloban City's Yolanda Commemorative Ride raises P15 million for 'Rolly' victims
Today's first Yolanda Commemorative Ride held in Tacloban City has raised some P15 million worth of cash and in-kind donations for the victims of super typhoon “Rolly.”
House Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez and his wife, Tingog partylist Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, thanked over 2,000 cyclists for participating in the fund-raising event that would benefit the Bicol region.
The Romualdezes noted that the donations are expected to be turned over to affected families in Bicol region.
The event dubbed “SIKAD: Urusa nga Pagpitad para ha Pag-uswag (Sama-samang Paghakbang para sa Pag-unlad)” was held at 5 a.m. today (Nov. 8) at the Tacloban Astrodome to commemorate the seventh year of the Yolanda devastation.
“Waraynons find joy in helping others and today is another celebration of kindness, gratitude and the resiliency of Filipinos. We want to share our blessings and to pay it forward to our fellow Filipinos. We know exactly what the evacuees in Bicol are going through now,” Majority Leader Romualdez said in a statement.
“Despite the numerous challenges we face in our everyday lives, we always remain resilient to stay in the game. We do not allow difficulties to break us, that is the key behind our recovery,” he said.
The House leader cited that Eastern Visayas had survived one of the strongest typhoons ever recorded in history. It has also showed to the rest of the world that "we are capable of recovering because of our resiliency.”
"Let us continue in our journey toward building back a better and more resilient community. Let’s continue to bring hope as we face this pandemic because this day reminds us that better days will come, as they have before,” he said.
Tingog Rep. Romualdez attributed the immediate recovery of Tacloban City and Eastern Visayas to the unity of the people.
“It is through our solidarity as a region and as a community that we are able to look back into this day with strength and hope. Together we rise as people with resiliency and fortitude that we have gained from this experience,” she said.
Apart from the Romualdez couple, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez also organized a fundraising event, in partnership with government agencies led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Tacloban SK Federation, Region 8 Bicycle Advocacy Community, various individuals, groups, private organizations, and advocacy groups.