JORDAN, Guimaras – Guimarasnons marked the anniversary of what was deemed as the biggest sea tragedy in the island’s history yesterday with “Pagbangon,” a virtual ceremony in memory of those who died.
It was exactly a year ago yesterday when the three motorbancas – MB Kezziah 2, MB Chi-Chi and MB Jenny Vince – capsized hours apart in the Iloilo Strait. Thirty-one persons died.
Officials of the provincial government, family of the victims and survivors gathered together to commemorate the tragedy.
Gov. Samuel Gumarin said the sea mishap was a wakeup call for Guimarasnons to be resilient.
“Samtang kita padayon sa pagdumdom sang mga kabuhi nga nadula, ini nga hitabo parte na sang aton maragtas,” Gumarin added.
The disaster dealt a huge blow to the province’s economy, particularly the tourism industry, according to Gumarin.
Trips of wooden-hulled motorbancas plying the Guimaras-Iloilo route and vice versa remain irregular.
“The said tragedy gravely affected our socioeconomic health. Our agri-tourism industry suffered from a massive drop in tourism arrivals and receipts. We experienced one of the most catastrophic transportation disruptions,” Gumarin said.
Vice Gov. Atty. John Edward Gando assured the public that trips of motorbancas would return to normal when the modernized vessels arrive.
He lauded the motorboat associations in the province for heeding the call of the national government for the modernization of the motorboats.
The province’s quest to rise from the impact of the tragedy, however, met a setback due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Cong. Ma. Lucille Nava said these misfortunes will drive the officials of the province to create measures to protect Guimarasnons. (With a report from Guimaras PIO/PN)
