Twenty‑five years after the devastating earthquake that leveled the coastal city of Port Aurora, the nation continues to grapple with loss, displacement, and unfulfilled promises of reconstruction. While the government has poured billions into infrastructure and memorials, many survivors still live in temporary housing, and the promised seismic retrofitting of schools remains incomplete. In this opinion piece, veteran journalist Lila Hassan reflects on the lingering trauma, the role of international aid, and the need for a renewed social contract that prioritizes mental‑health services and community‑led rebuilding. “Mourning is not just about remembering the dead; it is about acknowledging the living who still bear the scars,” Hassan writes, urging policymakers to honor the anniversary with actionable reforms rather than symbolic gestures.
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