CDO marks 2nd anniversary of Typhoon Sendong

MANILA, Philippines - A mass officiated by Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma and a white lantern memorial parade highlighted the activities lined up by the city government and the private sector for the commemoration of the second anniversary of Typhoon Sendong.

Mayor Oscar Moreno and committee chairperson Eileen San Juan led the ceremony themed “Beyond Sendong: Rebuilding Lives and the City.”

A tribute honoring the city’s partners in rebuilding efforts preceded the holy mass at the Rodelsa Circle and the lantern procession along Apolinar Velez street, the city’s main thoroughfare.

Other activities include a forum on promoting disaster risk resilience led by experts from Environmental Science for Social Change and Xavier University, gift-giving by Safer River Life Saver Foundation, “Tabang Medico” free medical clinic and an exhibit featuring livelihood programs and products of Sendong survivors.

Sendong struck Cagayan de Oro City on the night of Dec. 16, 2011, leaving 734 persons dead, 500 missing and thousands of families homeless.