09/11/2025
'PREPAREDNESS IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY FILIPINO'
Former House Speaker Rep. Martin Romualdez urged Filipinos to remember and live by the lessons learned from Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) as the nation marks the 12th anniversary of one of the most devastating natural disasters in Philippine history.
βTwelve 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,β Romualdez said.
The 1st District, Leyte representative emphasized that the tragedy taught the nation the importance of unity and readiness in the face of natural calamities.
βThe lesson we learned during Yolanda is clear: we cannot prevent the storm, but we can prepare for it with unity and concern,β he said, adding that disaster preparedness should not rest solely on the government.
"Preparedness is not only the responsibility of the government but of every Filipino," he added.
Romualdez, who hails from Tacloban Cityβone of the areas hardest hit by Yolanda in 2013βsaid the spirit of resilience and solidarity that emerged after the disaster should continue to guide the nation in confronting future challenges.
