As the people of Tacloban City, Leyte brace for typhoon "Uwan", they took the time Saturday, Nov. 8 to look back 12 years ago and remember those who lost their lives during the tragedy that was Super Typhoon "Yolanda".

Leading this year's traditional commemoration, and giving a message of resilience and renewed readiness was Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez.

“Twelve years have passed, but the lessons of Yolanda remain deeply etched in our hearts. We honor the memory of those we lost by ensuring that their sacrifice continues to inspire preparedness, compassion and solidarity among our people,” said Romualdez, a former House Speaker of both the 19th and 20th Congresses.

The Leyte lawmaker, whose district was among the hardest hit when Yolanda struck the country’s central islands on Nov. 8, 2013, said the anniversary comes at a time when the country once again faces the threat of a powerful storm.

“Malinaw ang nakuha nating aral noong Yolanda: hindi natin kayang pigilan ang bagyo, pero kaya nating paghandaan ito nang may pagkakaisa at malasakit. Ang kahandaan ay hindi lamang responsibilidad ng pamahalaan kundi ng bawat Pilipino,” he said, referring to Uwan.

(The lesson we learned from Yolanda is clear: we cannot stop a typhoon, but we can prepare for it with unity and compassion. Preparedness is not only the responsibility of the government but of every Filipino.)

“Early warnings must be heeded, evacuation plans must be ready and supply lines must be steady. Community networks matter, from barangay leaders to youth groups to civil society. Preparedness is not a one-time effort, it is an everyday discipline that protects lives,” Romualdez added.

Officially, Yolanda--one of the strongest storms ever recorded in history--took the lives of around 6,300 people. It caused a humanitarian crisis with the sheer amount of damage it caused.

Romualdez said the devastation of Yolanda forever changed the nation’s approach to disaster management and community resilience.

“From that tragedy emerged a stronger sense of community. We rebuilt not just homes but hope. We restored not just roads and schools but the spirit of our people,” he said, as he noted that Leyte’s recovery story stands as a testament to the Filipino’s indomitable will.

Romualdez expressed gratitude to humanitarian partners, local leaders and countless volunteers who helped Leyte and the Visayas rise again after the catastrophic storm.

“The Yolanda generation proved that even in the face of unimaginable loss, the Filipino spirit cannot be broken. We learned to stand together, to care for one another, and to face every storm with courage and faith,” said the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president.

As Uwan threatens Northern and Central Luzon, the former Speaker has called on all Filipinos to remain alert and united in ensuring zero casualties through proactive preparation and coordination between national agencies and local governments.

“As we remember Yolanda today (Saturday), we also face Typhoon Uwan, which weather forecasters say could reach super typhoon strength. I ask everyone to stay tuned to PAGASA, LGUs and response agencies, follow official advisories and prepare to move early if your area is at risk. Your safety always comes first,” he stated.

“Strength is in our collective action: magtulungan tayo sa gitna ng malakas na bagyong ito (let's help each other amid this strong storm). And on the 12th anniversary of Yolanda, we reaffirm our commitment to work with mayors, governors, national agencies, responders and civic partners so that relief is swift and communities are safer after every storm,” Romualdez continued.

“May the memory of those we lost guide us toward unity and prudent action, and may God keep our people safe in the days ahead,” he added.

Rep. Jude Acidre of Leyte-based Tingog Party-list says their team has started pre-positioning relief goods in vulnerable areas and preparing hot meals for evacuees once relocation begins.