CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental (PIA)--The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental (PGMO), in partnership with the Local Government of Gingoog City and Claveria, commemorated Cebu Pacific Air Flight 387's 25th anniversary through a holy mass and the blessing of its new function hall at the newly renamed Misamis Oriental Flight 387 Shrine, February 2.

"We are all gathered here today to remember the lives of the people lost in Flight 387, kining yearly nga pinagtigom somehow naghatag og relief sa mga families sa ato mga victims sa crash (This annual gathering somehow gave relief to the families of the victims of the crash ) while also helping us promote it into a tourist attraction-memorial, the future of this flight 387 shrine as far as its tourism potential is concerned is very bright," Misamis Oriental Provincial Tourism Chief Jeffrey Saclot said.

Cebu Pacific Air Flight 387 crashed on the slopes of Mount Sumagaya, February 2, 1998, resulting in the deaths of all 104 passengers and crew members on board the aircraft. The area has since become notable among local and domestic tourists for its serene and picturesque view.

Bordering between Claveria and Gingoog City, the PGMO invested in the rehabilitation and infrastructure development of the shrine as part of its thrust to improve tourism areas in the province in line with Governor Unabia’s goal-oriented tourism program.

Provincial Board Member Gerardo "Boboy" Sabal III, representing Unabia, commended the Local Government of Claveria and the City Government of Gingoog for their partnership in making the area safe to visit through its highway, Route 995.

Families and friends of the victims thanked the provincial government for always helping with the annual memorial service and making the shrine better.

"Nia mi diri every year for the past 25 years since nahitabo ang unfortunate incident, nakita namo nga dako na kaayo'g kabag-ohan compared to 25 years ago. Nahimo na tradisyon sa Balay Mindanaw nga uban gayud sa mga kalihokan diri sa shrine. Nalipay kami nga dako na ang kabag-ohan, dako na kaayo ang kalamboan, and improvement diri sa shrine," Balay Mindanaw Chairperson Charlito "Kaloy" Manlupig, said.

(We have been here every year for the past 25 years since the unfortunate incident happened, and we have seen that there is a significant change compared to 25 years ago. It has become a tradition at Balay Mindanaw that with the activities here at the shrine, we are happy that there is a lot of innovation, development, and improvement here in the shrine). (VPSB/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)