MANILA - (UPDATE) Malacañang has declared Wednesday, November 8 as a non-working holiday in Tacloban, Leyte to give way to activities for the fourth anniversary of super typhoon "Yolanda."

Tacloban was among the worst-hit areas when Yolanda swept through the central islands in 2013, killing over 7,000 people and destroying some 4 million homes.

• WATCH: Super typhoon 'Yolanda' pounds Tacloban

"The city of Tacloban will commemorate the persons who perished and survived super typhoon Yolanda, and highlight the resilience of its people," Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said in Proclamation 348.

"It is but fitting and proper that the people of the city of Tacloban be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion."

The proclamation, which declared Wednesday a non-working day in Tacloban, was signed on Tuesday.

• Tales in tikog leaves: Weaving past 'Yolanda'

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said Filipinos must keep in mind the lessons brought by the tragedy.

“Yolanda is a story of faith and hope that characterizes our people as it is an account of tapang at malasakit that we must demand from our leaders,” Roque said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte is working to fast-track the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Yolanda-affected communities, he said. -- with a report from Dharel Placido, ABS-CBN News