16 July 1990 - With Profound Thoughts and Remembrance

...Miles away from our beloved city and region... and upon th grounds where we now stand on our adopted places under the sun....

WITH PROFOUND THOUGHTS..... WE REMEMBER....

19 years past, at approximately 16:26hrs, the City of Baguio was rocked by one of the strongest earthquake. According to media reports at that time, the earthquake has a magnitude of 7.6 in the Richter Scale. The magnitude of this strong earthquake were also felt in some parts of the Cordillera Region, Central and Northwestern Luzon.

It was recorded as probably one of the strongest earthquake in recent times that claimed so many lives and destroyed so many properties. Today, it appears that only very few still remember that fatal day. I join those people who remember that day and pray that majority of us will always be prepared for similar disasters whether natural or manmade.

I still have a vivid memory of that fatal day when there were chaos and disaster! People were running around and some, aimlessly... just running around confused and anxious about their loved ones. Some people are crying, whilst other people just want to be home safely whilst quietly pondering of what must be the meaning of what is unfolding rapidly before their eyes!

For some, it was a moment of truth when one's life's destiny appears to be at hand. The aftershocks that consistently followed has aggravated the fear for one's life and of others. They seem to be more dreadful than the earthquake itself because they reminded us of how vulnerable we are and challenge our capability to cope during such disasters brought about by nature.

Now, almost two dacades past, the city of Baguio has come back to life and as vibrant as ever before. I continue to wonder, does anyone remember that day in the history of the city? Have we all learned our lessons and more prepared this time

For those who still remember... remember that we care and remember.