City remembers Super Typhoon Reming

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- Families and friends of victims and the survivors of Super Typhoon Reming (International name: Durian) gathered at the Padang Memorial Shrine on Saturday to mark the 18th anniversary of the devastating tropical cyclone that caused massive loss of lives and livelihood.

The commemoration included a solemn mass and a candle-lighting ceremony.

Legazpi City Mayor Alfredo Garbin Jr. emphasized the importance of learning from the past and using those lessons to build a stronger and more resilient community.

“We will continue to rise no matter the challenges that may be brought to us. There’s always a brighter side to what happened 18 years ago with Reming. Our city and the province of Albay became a champion in disaster risk reduction and mitigation -- a reputation we continue to uphold,” Garbin said.

Garbin noted that Legazpi residents, particularly those in Barangay Padang, show exceptional cooperation during preemptive evacuations, thus ensuring zero casualties during calamities.

“When we mobilized preemptive evacuation, all joined and cooperated. The people of Barangay Padang showed how crucial early action and teamwork are in saving lives. We don’t wish for another Reming and if we could, we would eliminate typhoons altogether,” the mayor added.

Enduring impact

Super Typhoon Reming remains one of the deadliest storms to ever strike Albay.

In 2006, mudflows from Mayon Volcano buried several houses in Barangay Padang and surrounding areas, claiming some 600 lives. To this day, many are still missing.

One survivor, Barangay Padang Councilor Isidro Santander Jr., shared his personal tragedy.

He said lahar from Mayon Volcano swept through his home, killing seven of his family members -- his wife, four children and parents.

Only he and his daughter, then aged 7, survived.

“They are all missing. I survived the tragedy and I found my daughter near the sea,” Santander recalled.

“It was very hard. We didn’t expect it to happen. It still hurts thinking about it,” he added.

Ongoing support for survivors

Former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Christopher Co also attended the memorial, reiterating his commitment to helping the survivors and families affected by Reming.

“We continue to offer support to the people of Legazpi City. Last week, we conducted training for barangay officials on water rescue operations to prepare for future emergencies. We are also planning to distribute rubber boats to low-lying barangays,” Co said.

During the ceremony, the partylist provided three kilos of rice for each family in attendance.

Co expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his administration’s continued support in the aftermath of recent weather disturbances, including those that affected the Bicol Region. (PNA)

COMMEMORATION. Families and survivors of Super Typhoon Reming light candles at the Padang Memorial Shrine in Barangay Padang, Legazpi City, Albay on the 18th anniversary of the tragedy on Saturday (Nov. 30, 2024). Albayanos consider Reming one of the deadliest storms they have experienced, with hundreds still missing to this day. (PNA photo by Connie Calipay)