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Thousands came to remember Guinsaugon

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
February 18, 2007


Multi-national rescuers continued to work at ground zero 4 days after the tragedy.

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  All roads led to St. Bernard, Southern Leyte Saturday morning, where people from far and near came to Ground Zero, to remember the Guinsaugon Landslide Tragedy which happened a year ago covering to oblivion the entire barangay and claiming the lives of thousands of residents, young and old alike.

Those who came from all walks of life, government officials, relatives of those who perished during the tragedy, survivors, volunteers during the rescue operations, members of the rescue groups, members of the clergy, religious sisters, and others who have been touched by the tragedy and wish to be with everybody in remembering, not the pains and turmoil, but the mystery of bringing together people from all over the world in order to help in the spirit of brotherhood and unity and the glory of working together so that the survivors and the relatives will be able to bounce back with hope after the tragedy.

Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas during his homily said that the world has learned many lessons from the Guisaugon Landslide Tragedy. Those who have forgotten that there is a Creator remembered, those who have more learned to share, those who have been left with nothing learned to appreciate even the smallest help that were given them.

He said people must never forget Guinsaugon and the lessons learned. He said that God allows such tragedy to happen to remind those who are forgetting, but in His Mercy, He allows people to bounce back, this time as wiser people.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sends her good wishes to the survivors and the relatives of those who perished. The President would have been just as glad to see that the survivors and their relatives are now smiling, very far when the President came right after the tragedy.

Secretary Cabral added that the President is also glad that a new Guinsaugon community has risen through the able leadership of Governor Rosette Lerias, Mayor Maria Lim and the other government officials and the generous benefactors both here and abroad. She said that the beautiful new community, with the help coming from all over, is now a complete community.

Moreover, Secretary Cabral smilingly said that the President would be very happy to know that the survivors, the widows and the widowers found strength and love from the rubbles of the tragedy and are now forming new families as they have tied the knots during the Mass Wedding held on Valentines Day.