On November 8, 2024, Tacloban City commemorated the 11th anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda with a city-wide tree-planting ceremony, symbolizing resilience and commitment to environmental stewardship. Named “The Tree Tribute: A City-Wide Tree-Growing Yolanda Commemoration,” the gathering saw the planting of flowering trees like Palawan cherry (Balayong), fire trees (Albor), and Manila palms. These trees, set to flourish in five to seven years, will transform the grounds around Tacloban City Hall and Astrodome Park into living memorials, celebrating both recovery and resilience.
Led by the City Agriculturist Office and supported by the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Tacloban Chapter, the initiative aligns with beautification and sustainability goals. Participants included the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Rotary Club of Cancabato, and students from local schools, all unified in their dedication to a greener Tacloban.
This tree-planting ceremony is part of a broader series of events honoring those lost in Yolanda and celebrating Tacloban’s recovery. Mayor Alfred Romualdez highlighted the city’s resilience, with initiatives like this fostering a safer, greener future that commemorates the past while building hope for tomorrow.