TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Boholanos on Thursday (October 15) remembered the victims of the devastating magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck the province 13 years ago.
The powerful tremor claimed lives, destroyed homes and churches, and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents.
At 8:12 a.m., the exact time the earthquake struck on October 15, 2013, survivors and residents observed a moment of silence, in memory of those who perished in the disaster.
Then, church bells rang while sirens sounded for 33 seconds as part of the commemoration.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and disaster risk reduction management offices in the province also joined the observance.
The earthquake killed more than 200 people, injured hundreds, and displaced more than 300,000 residents.
It also damaged numerous buildings, roads, bridges and historic churches across Bohol.
Thirteen years later, families continue to visit cemeteries to remember their loved ones who died in the tragedy.
In Antequera town, Rodel Barace and his family went to the cemetery to honor four family members who were swallowed by a massive ground fissure (long, narrow crack) during the earthquake.
During anniversaries of the disaster, Barace has never missed visiting the cemetery.
While the pain of losing his loved ones has eased over the years, he said their absence remains deeply felt, especially during happy moments that he wishes he could share with his family members who died.
“It feels lonely and empty when a loved one is gone. But I entrust everything to God, accepting that His plans will prevail, and we who remain must continue moving forward,” Barace said.
Lessons from the tragedy
Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy reflected on the lessons of the Bohol earthquake, saying the disaster was more than a tragedy recorded in history for those who experienced it.
He posted his reflection on Facebook and it was titled “Memorable Lessons from the Bohol Earthquake.”
Uy said the catastrophe taught survivors about life’s fragility, the strength of faith, the importance of helping one another, and the resilience of the Boholanos.
He urged the people to treasure their loved ones, noting that life can change in an instant.
He emphasized that material possessions can be lost, but love, relationships and acts of kindness endure.
The archbishop also emphasized that although many churches suffered extensive damage, the Church remained alive through the people who continued to pray, serve and rebuild their communities.
“In times of tragedy, we discover how much we need one another,” he said, recalling how people shared food, water, shelter, strength and hope in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Uy also highlighted Bohol’s recovery, saying the province rebuilt not only homes, roads, bridges and churches, but also the courage and determination of its people.
“The earthquake wounded us, but it also revealed the strength and resilience of the Boholano spirit,” he said.
Governor Erico Aumentado said that as Bohol marked another year since the tragedy, the commemoration serves as a reminder of the lives lost and families’ lives forever changed.
He also recognized the residents’ collective strength that helped the province recover. /apl