15/06/2025
𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟓, 𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟏 — a day marked by darkness and tremors. Today, we mark the 34th year since the world witnessed one of the most catastrophic volcanic eruptions in history—𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗼’𝘀 𝗲𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. This calamity resulted in a staggering loss of life, with up to 800 individuals succumbing to the eruption’s fury. The economic impact was equally devastating, causing nearly half a billion dollars in damages (Rossenberg, 2019). The toll extended far beyond the human lives lost, as entire communities were displaced, homes were destroyed, and dreams were shattered.
Amidst the devastation, a remarkable spirit emerged—𝙗𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙝𝙖𝙣. This enduring concept, rooted in the shared burden and collective care, transformed the aftermath of the eruption. Instead of merely rebuilding houses, bayanihan became a symbol of unity and support, where individuals lifted each other up with food, shelter, and hope. When Former President Corazon Aquino declared a state of calamity, it was this very spirit that propelled the swift response, rehabilitation efforts, and a sense of community across the affected towns (Shan, 2020).
As we commemorate this pivotal moment in Kapampangan history, let us carry the 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱. The scars of 1991 may still be visible, but our unyielding strength remains unbroken. May we never forget the lessons learned from this tragedy and continue to strive for a society where everyone rises together.
𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞’𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐞, 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧!✊
Photo credits to Arlan Naeg, John Tinsley, Romeo Gacad, John Tewell, Andrew Heuer, Christopher Pillitz
References:
Rosenberg, M. (2019). Learn About the 1991 Mount Pinatubo Volcanic Eruption. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/mount-pinatubo-eruption-1434951
Shan, L. Y. (2020). The day the world went dark: Mount Pinatubo eruption, as told by survivors. Retrieved from https://southeastasiaglobe.com/mount-pinatubo-eruption-survivors/
