A permanent reminder of resilience now stands at the Clark Parade Grounds. On June 9, 2026, a commemorative marker was unveiled to mark the 35th anniversary of the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, honoring the strength of Kapampangans who survived one of the 20th century's largest volcanic disasters. The ceremony was led by former President and Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Clark Development Corporation President and CEO Agnes Devanadera.
The marker was installed at the former Clark Air Base, a historically significant site where scientists from PHIVOLCS and the United States Geological Survey closely monitored volcanic activity before and during the June 15, 1991, eruption . The unveiling was part of a broader twin-event observance titled "Pinatubo at 35: Remembering Pinatubo, Lessons from the Past, Empowering Communities," organized by DOST-PHIVOLCS and Holy Angel University's Center for Kapampangan Studies.
Honoring the Scientists Who Saved Thousands of Lives
The marker and wreath-laying ceremony paid homage to the scientists, government agencies, local communities, and media who helped mitigate the impact of the eruption . The timely monitoring and early warnings issued by PHIVOLCS and USGS scientists allowed for the evacuation of thousands of residents and the relocation of US military assets, saving countless lives despite the eruption's massive scale. Vice Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda said the marker serves as a lasting reminder of the suffering endured and the resilience demonstrated by Kapampangans during the disaster, while ensuring that future generations continue to learn from the lessons of Mt. Pinatubo.
The project was undertaken through the joint efforts of PHIVOLCS, the Center for Kapampangan Studies, Clark Development Corporation, CLTV36, and Mekeni Food Corporation . Representatives from these organizations, alongside international volcanologists, disaster risk reduction advocates, and tourism leaders, joined the ceremony to reflect on the eruption's impact and the progress made since.
From Tragedy to Transformation: The Clark Freeport Story
The marker also recognizes the transformation of the former military base into the Clark Freeport Zone, one of the country's most successful economic development stories . The lahar flows that buried entire towns have since settled, and the landscape that was once covered in volcanic ash is now home to thriving businesses, tourism destinations, and communities . The commemoration also featured an international conference held at Holy Angel University in Angeles City, with technical sessions focusing on volcanic hazards, disaster preparedness, emergency response, and lessons learned from the Pinatubo experience.
The eruption of Mount Pinatubo on June 15, 1991, was the second-largest volcanic event of the 20th century, affecting over two million people and displacing approximately 200,000 families . For Kapampangans, the marker at Clark Parade Grounds is not just a monument to disaster—it is a testament to survival, cooperation, and the ability to rebuild from ash and turn tragedy into opportunity.
