Boholanos remember 10/15 earthquake; launch mental health and wellness project

TAGBILARAN CITY - Across the province Thursday, Boholanos remembered the 10/15, the 7.2 magnitude earthquake, that brought Bohol to its knees seven years ago.

This year, during a pandemic that has infected 400 and killed 8 people in Bohol alone, the somber, solemn rituals continued.

The 7.2 magnitude earthquake that shook Bohol on Oct. 15, 2013 killed 200 Boholanos, injured 800 others, and displaced more than 300,000 people.

Local government units also joined in the  simultaneous ringing of bells and sirens at 8:12 a.m. for 33 seconds– the duration of the 2013 earthquake – to remember the tragedy.

Bohol Governor Arthur Yap led officials in a Holy Mass celebrated at the new Provincial Capitol where attendees were asked to wear masks and stay socially distant.

After the Mass, the provincial government launched "Laum" (Hope) project, which  is aimed at promoting mental health and well-being.

Yap said it is the provincial government's multi-sectoral response to use advocacy, information, education, counseling, sports, training, livelihood financing and culture and the arts to reach out, to extend aid and to capacitate those who need help.

"What better way to mark this occasion of the seventh Great Bohol Earthquake than by launching a program dedicated to building up the resiliency of the Boholano by extending hand for the weak, the faceless, the voiceless and most especially the youth of Bohol, " Yap said in his message.

He said the pandemic caused suffering, depression, violence, fear and uncertainty for the youth of Bohol.

"There is no better way to dedicate this effort to build a more resilient and strong Boholano because in the coming days there will continue to be tragedies that we will be confronting," said Yap.

A unity ride was also held by Team Sikad Kapitolyo to commemorate Bohol's resilience.

Time is passing. Yet, for Boholanos, there will be no forgetting October 15.  For survivors whose family members died, it was a day to remember them.

In Sagbayan town, the Somoros and Empinados families visited the Bayong Falls in Barangay Katipunan to grieve at the site their loved ones died.

They always visit the area every year to place flowers, light candles and offer prayers on the spot where their children were buried during the earthquake. -- BAP, GMA News