SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1 596
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*17 
SEP 27 
All :21
RECui.'
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT DECLARING NOVEMBER 8 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NON­
WORKING PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN THE EASTERN VISAYAS REGION TO BE 
KNOWN AS THE “ YOLANDA COMMEMORATION DAY”
The proposed measure seeks to declare November 8 of every year as a special 
non-working public holiday in the highly-urbanized city of Tacloban, the independent 
city of Ormoc, and the provinces of Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Northern Samar, 
Western Samar, and Eastern Samar to commemorate the devastation brought about 
by Typhoon Yolanda.
On November 8, 2013, Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan)— one of the strongest tropical 
cyclones to make landfall in world history— swept through the Philippines, severely 
affecting the Eastern Visayas area. With sustained winds of 315 kilometers per hour 
(kph), gusts as strong as 380 kph, and storm surges of over four (4) meters, the 
typhoon caused 5,982 deaths, injured 27,022, left 1,779 persons missing, and 
affected 12.2 million people.
The total damage from the calamity was estimated at P571.1 billion (US$12.9 
billion) Hundreds of thousands of homes were damaged, leading to the displacement 
of thousands of families— many of whom are, up to this day, still trying to find 
suitable homes for themselves and their families.
The typhoon undoubtedly left a catastrophic impact in the local economy and 
livelihood of the region. 
But amid the dark and troubled times, the spirit of 
bayanihan— both from Filipinos and foreigners alike— shined through. 
Several 
foreign governments, local and foreign foundations, businesses, and individuals, 
poured in much humanitarian aid.


The country would rightly pay respect and give tribute not only to those perished 
in the typhoon, but also to those who have contributed greatly to the recovery and 
rehabilitation of the affected communities.
The city of Tacloban, and the provinces of Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, 
Northern Samar, Western Samar, and Eastern Samar have been observing an 
annual commemoration of Typhoon Yolanda since 2014 through a local executive 
order. It would only be fitting if this commemoration is institutionalized through law 
for future generations to always remember not only the disaster but also the strength 
and resilience of spirt that allowed so many Filipinos to endure it.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
NY ANGARA


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1596
, iDiTt * nl ll r r  
roliirc
'17 
SEP 27 
All :21
R t t c . L  J  s
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT DECLARING NOVEMBER 8 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NON­
WORKING PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN THE EASTERN VISAYAS REGION TO BE 
KNOWN AS THE “ YOLANDA COMMEMORATION DAY”
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. November 8 of every year is hereby declared a special non-working
2 
public holiday in the highly-urbanized city of Tacloban and the provinces of Leyte,
3 
Biliran, Southern Leyte, Northern Samar, (Western) Samar, and Eastern Samar to
4 
commemorate the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) to honor the memory of all
5 
who died in the said disaster and to salute the selflessness of all volunteers and
6 
organizations who took part and contributed in the recovery and rehabilitation efforts
7 
of the communities affected by the typhoon.
SEC. 2. This act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved,