The direct aftermath of Yolanda's onslaught in Tacloban City, Leyte 10 years ago. On the upper left corner is the Tacloban City Convention Center. (MANILA BULLETIN)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez enjoined his fellow Taclobanons on Wednesday, Nov. 8 not to shed tears but to "celebrate their resilience and unity" as they marked the 10th anniversary of the Super Typhoon "Yolanda" tragedy. 

“A decade has passed, but the memories of that fateful day remain etched in our hearts and minds,” Romualdez said in his speech during the commemoration rites held at the Tacloban City Convention Center in Leyte. 

He recalled that during that fateful day, he “witnessed firsthand the sorrow and loss that overwhelmed our community." 

“Yet, amidst the rubble and tears, I also saw the indomitable spirit of our people. I witnessed neighbors helping neighbors, strangers becoming family, and a nation rallying together to rise again. Kasama nating umiyak at nakiramay sa mga nawalan ng mahal sa buhay ang panauhing pandangal natin ngayon, si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.,” said the Leyte 1st district representative. 

(Our guest of honor today, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., cried and mourned with us following our great loss.) 

Romualdez appealed to his constituents that, as they remember Yolanda, “Let us also celebrate the resilience, unity, and hope that have defined our recovery journey.” 

“The road has been challenging, but with each passing year, our collective strength and determination grow even more evident,” he said. 

The House leader paid tribute to thousands who perished during the onslaught and in the aftermath of Yolanda---one of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded. 

“Today, let us also pause to remember those we lost, honor the heroes who emerged in the aftermath, and express our gratitude for the countless blessings we have received. Our story is one of triumph over adversity, and as we continue on this journey, let's carry the legacy of Yolanda as a testament to the unyielding spirit of our people,” he said. 

As he continues to represent his district in Congress, Romualdez said he is always reminded of the lessons of 

“It is my solemn pledge to serve relentlessly and do everything in my power for the welfare and progress of our people, ensuring that we are better prepared and more resilient for any future challenges,” he said. 

Yolanda was known internationally as "Haiyan".