Manila: House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday called for solidarity as the Philippines observed a Day of National Mourning for the over 100 lives lost during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami). According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez urged Filipinos to 'pause, reflect, and honor' the victims, emphasizing unity and compassion as communities grieve and rebuild. "This day of mourning calls us to compassion and solidarity. As we remember those lost, we extend our deepest sympathies to every family affected, to every community struggling to recover. Let this be a day when we, as Filipinos, reaffirm our spirit of resilience and togetherness, a time when we find strength in unity and a helping hand in every corner of our country," Romualdez said. The Speaker highlighted the nation's collective sorrow as he called on Filipinos to offer support to grieving families. "More than one hundred of our fellow Filipinos-mothers, fathers, children, friends, neighbors-are no longer with us. They leave behind loved ones who carry the heavy burden of loss, and entire communities touched by sorrow. To each family mourning the loss of a loved one, we stand beside you, sharing in your pain. Your heartbreak is felt by the entire nation, and today, in this national moment of remembrance, you are not alone," he said. He also commended the efforts of first responders, relief workers, and volunteers for their dedication to assisting affected communities. "Your efforts represent the true Filipino spirit of 'bayanihan'-showing us that even in our darkest hours, there is always someone ready to lend support, ready to lift another up," he said. Romualdez encouraged Filipinos to be defined by their compassion as much as their resilience. "As we observe this Day of National Mourning, let each of us find it in our hearts to offer a moment of prayer, a word of comfort, or a gesture of kindness for those who are grieving and those who are rebuilding their lives. Let this day be a reminder that we are bound together, that we are a nation defined not just by resilience but by our deep compassion for one another," he said. He expressed hope for national healing and strength, as the country moves forward. "May the souls of those who perished rest in peace, and may we, as one Filipino family, find strength in each other as we move forward. Together, let us remember, let us grieve, and let us help one another rise from this tragedy with renewed hope and unity," he said. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Proclamation 728 'in solidarity with the bereaved families and loved ones of those who perished due to the devastation brought by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.' 'The nation deeply mourns this tragic loss, and joins the families and loved ones of our departed brothers and sisters in this moment of immense sorrow,' he said in the proclamation. The President urged the nation to offer prayers for those who lost their lives in the tragedy. From Oct. 21 to 25, Kristine brought torrential rains and violent winds that triggered widespread flooding and landslides, killing at least 145 people. Several others were hurt and some remained missing. The onslaught also caused tremendous destruction of property, including immense damage to agriculture and critical infrastructures and lifelines, as well as the disruption of livelihoods and the normal way of life of the people, especially in the affected areas. Kristine and Typhoon Leon affected 2,179,856 families or 8,534,215 persons. The national flag shall be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset in all government buildings and installations across the country and abroad on Monday.