The City Government of Davao, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office(CSWDO), and barangay officials with the families of the victims, commemorated on Friday the 13th year of the Matina River flooding that took 31 lives.

Officials from Barangay Matina Crossing, Matina Aplaya, and Matina Pangi, representatives from the Public Safety and Security Command Office, Task Force Davao, and barangay responders joined the CSWDO and family members of the victims in a simple candle-lighting ceremony and offering of flowers at Mahayahay Bridge, Matina Pangi.

The prayer for the victims was led by Rev. Fr. Bong Gonzaga.

In a message, City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” thanked the responders who became heroes at the time of the calamity and said that the disaster 13 years ago rekindled the Bayanihan spirit.

The mayor said that his administration will continue to push for programs for safer communities.

DSWDO Acting Officer-In-Charge Sara Festin, in a speech during the program, said that the flooding that took many lives 13 years ago was an eye-opener.

“Unta kita tanan magbinantayon, dili lang magbantay magparticipate pud sa pagpanlimpyo (May we remain to be alert, and we should not only be alert, but we must also clean our surroundings),” she said, adding that little acts may help mitigate disasters.

She also urged residents to ensure that their houses have good foundations, and in case of actual flooding, residents should follow the preemptive evacuation ordinance of Davao City.

More disaster mitigation and early warning devices are provided by the city in barangays to help protect and warn residents.

Gabions are placed near Matina Pangi River and a new City-wide siren is being installed at Barangay Matina Crossing that will help warn residents in times of flood.

Mary Chris Alvarez, a resident of the Matina Crossing lost three children during the flood, thanked the City Government of Davao for the provision of food packs and gift checks during anniversaries of the flood. CIO