by Samantha Macabit || Photo by: Mrs. Ma. Lorna Garnace

To commemorate the eighth anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda, a mass and candle lighting ceremony was conducted at the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC), which was broadcast live on Facebook last November 5. 

Only the faculty and staff members were physically present to witness the said event whilst scholars were able to watch it virtually on the EVC Direct, the school’s official Facebook page. Health protocols such as wearing face masks and social distancing were strictly observed.

The Ecumenical Committee, led by Mrs. Maria Lorna L. Garnace, organized the event in coordination with the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish for the Holy Eucharist. 

In an interview, Garnace stated that the commemoration aimed to relive the resilience shown after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda, express gratitude to God for the many blessings and people who helped us recover, and remember the Pisay members who perished during the typhoon.   

She also mentioned that the only difficulty they encountered in preparing for the event was ensuring the students’ participation in the virtual commemoration. 

“Be grateful for the second life and acknowledge that there are opportunities in every disaster,” she expressed in a message to the families of the victims whose lives were taken away due to the calamity.