A province once blanketed by volcanic ash marked a milestone in its recovery on June 15, 2026, as Pampanga commemorated the 35th anniversary of the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo with the unveiling of a memorial marker and an exhibit highlighting stories of resilience and renewal.

The provincial government inaugurated the Provincial Pinatubo Marker in Bacolor, one of the areas hit hardest by lahar flows following the eruption. Officials said the marker symbolizes the resilience, unity, and recovery of Kapampangans after one of the most devastating disasters in the province's history.

More than three decades after the eruption, Pampanga has rebuilt much of its infrastructure and economy and has emerged as a center for transportation, tourism, business and development, according to information presented during the commemoration.

Richard Daenos, director of the Department of Tourism Region 3, said areas affected by the eruption have since become drivers of economic activity and tourism.

“Itong sinasabi naming beautiful tragedy is now giving back to the community. Nagbibigay siya ng tulong sa ekonomiya. Malaking tulong ito sa ating mga kaibigan at kapatid na Indigenous People,” he said.

Before the marker's unveiling, officials and residents attended a Mass and a ceremonial offering of flowers to honor those who died during the disaster, as well as the responders and communities that helped rebuild in its aftermath.

The commemoration also featured the opening of the Pinatubo Photo and Art Exhibit at the Santungan Ning Kulturang Kapampangan in the City of San Fernando. The exhibit showcases works by Kapampangan artists and photographs taken by journalists documenting the eruption and the province's recovery.

Organizers said the exhibit aims to preserve memories of the hardships, sacrifices and recovery efforts that followed the catastrophe. Through photographs and artwork, visitors can revisit the story of a province once covered in ash that chose to rebuild and move forward.

35 years after Mount Pinatubo erupted, the event served not only as a remembrance of tragedy but also as a testament to the courage, unity and hope that continue to shape Pampanga's identity.