Two years after Super Typhoon Yolanda

DILG launches commemorative book on stories of survival

Press Release
November 7, 2015

QUEZON CITY – In commemoration of the second year anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched Friday a commemorative book entitled "After the Storm: Two Years On", containing compelling stories of survival and recovery of Yolanda survivors.

DILG Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento said the book, which was published by the DILG's Recovery Assistance on Yolanda (RAY) project management office, contains first-hand accounts of the survivors from the 93 local government units (LGUs) in 11 provinces whose livelihood and communities were significantly improved with the completed rehabilitation projects under RAY batch 1.

"Sigurado akong marami sa inyo ang matutuwa at maiiyak habang binabasa ninyo ang mga nakakapagbagbag-damdaming mga kwento sa aklat na ito lalong lalo na ang mga libo-libong katao na personal na nakaranas sa hagupit ng Yolanda," said Sarmiento.

The stories in the collection talk about the courage, determination, and resilience of survivors who were recipients of the big ticket projects under RAY batch 1. These projects include provincial/city/municipal halls, public markets and civic centers costing P1.5 million and above.

"Yolanda taught something to us all... That yes, we may be used to storms throughout our lives, and yet we still have a lot to learn about what to do before, during and after such disasters," said DILG Undersecretary Austere A. Panadero in the book. "It's unfortunate that we had to learn the hard way, but what is important is that we rise up from the ruins, learn from the experience and come back stronger and better because of it."

"After the Storm: Two Years On" was launched at Leyte Park Hotel, Tacloban City, Leyte during the two-year anniversary event spearheaded by DILG VIII Regional office. The book includes a timeline of the events during Typhoon Yolanda, background of the RAY-DILG Project, and brief overview of RAY batch 1.

Online version of the book

To ensure the broadest possible reach and scope of the book, a corresponding online multimedia website has been developed to provide "soft-copy" access to readers, both in the Philippines and elsewhere.

Links to the corresponding website are available at the following addresses:

- URL: dilgyolanda.wordpress.com

- Download a PDF version (68MB) via Google Drive: http://bit.ly/1MDPGIZ

- Kindle/iPad/Tablet (Issuu): http://bit.ly/1iz7eYF

About RAY DILG

On 8 November 2013, super typhoon Yolanda (internationally known as Haiyan) struck the Philippines, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

In partnership with LGUs, and as part of larger government efforts to rehabilitate affected areas, DILG established the RAY DILG Fund. RAY DILG assist in the reconstruction of totally and partially-damaged provincial/city municipal buildings, public markets, civic centers and barangay infrastructure, with view to Building Back Better.

RAY DILG aims to facilitate sustainable, long-term recovery and return to normalcy government services and economic activities in Yolanda-affected areas.