Angeles City, Pampanga — A commemorative marker honoring the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption was officially unveiled at the Clark Freeport Parade Grounds on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, marking the 35th anniversary of one of the most significant volcanic disasters in Philippine history.
The ceremony, themed Pinatubo at 35: Remembering Pinatubo, Lessons from the Past, Empowering Communities, brought together national and local officials, scientists, tourism leaders, and disaster risk reduction advocates from across the region.
Leaders and Officials in Attendance
The event was led by former President and Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Agnes Devanadera, DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Ma. Mylene M. Villegas, and Department of Tourism Region 3 Director Richard G. Daenos. Also present were Pampanga Provincial Tourism Officer Michael Castaneda, Mabalacat City Tourism Officer Arwin Lingat, Angeles City Tourism Officer Louie Lazatin, and Center for Kapampangan Studies (CKS) Director Myra Lopez.
Dr. Christopher Newhall, a renowned volcanologist who played a key role in monitoring Pinatubo before the 1991 eruption, also graced the occasion. Joining him was Dr. Heather Wright, Director of the Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (VDAP) at the Cascades Volcano Observatory of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), who expressed her teams enthusiasm to learn from Phivolcs and see Mount Pinatubo for the first time.
A First for Pampanga
CKS Director Myra Lopez emphasized that the marker, provided by Phivolcs, is the first of its kind in Pampanga. It stands as a permanent reminder of the resilience and recovery demonstrated by Kapampangans in the aftermath of the devastating eruption that displaced thousands and reshaped the landscape of Central Luzon.
This marker is not just about remembering a disaster — it is about honoring the strength of our communities and the lessons we carry forward, Lopez said.
From Tragedy to Transformation
Former President Arroyo highlighted the importance of scientific monitoring, timely warnings, and mass evacuations that helped save countless lives during the 1991 eruption. Thanks to the collaboration between Filipino and American scientists, many lives were saved.
CDC President Agnes Devanadera reflected on how the Pinatubo eruption became a defining moment for the region, ultimately shaping Clarks transformation from a former U.S. military base into a thriving economic hub and premier destination in Central Luzon.
What was once a landscape of ash and devastation is now a center of commerce, tourism, and community. Clarks story is a testament to the resilience of the Kapampangan spirit, Devanadera shared.
Pinatubo International Conference and Trade Fair
Following the unveiling ceremony at Clark, participants proceeded to Holy Angel University in Angeles City for the opening of the Pinatubo International Conference and DTI Trade Fair. The conference, organized by DOST-Phivolcs and the Center for Kapampangan Studies, runs from June 9 to June 11, 2026, at the PGN Building from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The multi-day event features discussions on disaster preparedness, volcanic science, community resilience, and sustainable development — all aimed at empowering communities with the knowledge to face future natural hazards.
Remembering to Prepare
Tourism Director Richard Daenos emphasized that remembering history is essential to strengthening disaster preparedness across the region. The 1991 Pinatubo eruption taught us invaluable lessons. By keeping this memory alive, we ensure that future generations are better prepared, he said.
Mekeni Food Corporation President Prudencio Garcia, meanwhile, recalled how the disaster shaped his companys values, strengthening their commitment to Malasakit Sa Kapwa — genuine compassion for others.
The Pinatubo marker now stands at the Clark Freeport Parade Grounds as a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and renewal for all Kapampangans and visitors to the region.
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