Participants along with various organizations and societies in the Visayas State University (VSU) took part in DEKADA: The Yolanda 10th Year Anniversary Commemoration as they lent ears to several topics from esteemed guest speakers with the theme: Remembering Our Past and Charting Our Commitment for a Proactive Society Against Climate Adversity", November 8, at the Visayas State University (VSU) Gymnatorium.
In a series of talks shared by Executive Director of Manila Observatory Rev. Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, as the guest speaker, he reflected on a personal conversation about the hardship and experience brought by typhoon Yolanda whilst advocating climate actions.
"[After typhoon Yolanda], It was also a logistical nightmare, we had help but it was a slow process, it was not easy. We saw signs [compared to hundred years ago] that a typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda will be more frequent in a globally warmer world. So we really need to prepare and learn what it means to adapt in a changing world," Fr. Villarin emphasized.
Meanwhile, VSU Gender Resource Center (GRC) Head Dr. Maria Aurora Terisita W. Tabada shared in her topic, "Challenging the Portrayal of Romanticizing the Filipino Resilience" about the conventional actions toward a better change in calamities response. When asked on how students can challenge the portrayal of romanticized Filipino resiliency on online platforms, she highlighted the critical role of student organizations in discerning the underlying issue.
"It is not just about notions of resiliency but really how we use social media. Because know how powerful it is and that's precisely why we partnered student organizations because it is only by empowering our students that we will be able to have more vibrant discussion on critical issues affecting us," Prof. Tabada addressed.
A solemn prayer brigade led by the VSU Students of Destiny and a "Call for Action '' culminating activity highlighted the event, which saw participants bannering their climate advocacy to conclude the program.