Baguio set to end killer quake mourning after 18 years

BAGUIO, Philippines – This highland resort city will become a beehive of activities again on Wednesday as locals end almost two decades of mourning for those who perished during the Luzon earthquake of July 16, 1990. Every year, since 1990, the city commemorated the killer quake with various activities such as the tree planting sponsored by Baguio media, atang or floating of candles and offering by the Baguio Artist group, photo exhibits and ecumenical services. Baguio and surrounding towns were among the hardest hit by the Magnitude 7.8 quake, considered one of the deadliest and costliest natural disasters in the Philippines. Of about 1,600 people were killed, some 1,000 were reported in the city alone. After 18-long years of sad memories, Baguio residents are set to declare through the city government: “The mourning stops… the new life begins." City Administrator Peter Fianza said balloons will be released at 9 a.m. followed by a line of activities Dubbed “Moving on." Members of various civic action groups in the field of search, rescue, safety, and security have prepared a number of activities showcasing “disaster preparedness" — a departure from “remembering a time of denouement" every earthquake anniversary. At 9 a.m., the “Encounter With Heroes: An Exhibition on Disaster Preparedness" will be inaugurated at the Justice George Malcolm Square . The exhibition, which lasts until 4:26 p.m. (earthquake time) features an exhibition of various rescue equipment; the Red Cross Baguio-Chapter bloodletting mission; a health mission; and free “rescue and survival" experience which include rappelling, slide-for-life, and wall-climbing for kids of all ages. Local media led by elder Ramon Dacawi said they will continue with the annual tree planting activity because it is the only earthquake commemoration activity with a positive effect. The tree planting activity, locally termed “poni ni keyew" (tree offering) at the Busol Watershed, is to commemorate not only those who perished during the 1990 earthquake but to remember all deceased local media personalities as well. “ Administrator Fianza echoed the late Baguio journalist Peppot Ilagan when he said, “Baguio has been grieving for so long … it is time we focus on the ‘now,’ our kids who ‘are constant reminders that the word must go on.’" Isagani Liporda of the Office of the Administrator said at 4:26 p.m., upon sounding of the City Hall siren, establishments along Session Road are encouraged to fly balloons along with members of local communication groups to symbolize that Baguio “has moved on." At the Malcolm Square, local bands will celebrate “new life through music" via “Moving On: The Concert," until midnight. City administrator Fianza, who is in charge of preparations, said, “Courage is not the absence of fear or the absence of longing for those who passed away in one of our city’s most unforgettable tragedies; it is simply moving on with dignity despite that fear and feeling of loss." - GMANews.TV