A Nation in DistressA World in Unity
The Filipinos’ remarkable resilience in the face of great trials is once again put into limelight as countries from around the globe offer condolences and humanitarian assistance to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda (international codename: Haiyan). It is so amazing to note how one catastrophic phenomenon results to the unity of many nations -transcending belief, creed and race – to be able to bring hope and extend a helping hand to the survivors of that monster cyclone.
The catastrophic destruction with epic proportion left many wondering if that apocalyptic event is a precursor to more powerful and devastating storms in the years ahead. Though predicted as a Category 5 super storm days before hitting land, packing ferociously violent wind of up to 180mph, nobody, not even our government officials, expected the tremendous scope by which it unleashed its wicked might as it shredded everything along its path and turned communities into wastelands.
The Central Visayas, still reeling from the effects of that mammoth 7.2 magnitude earthquake last month, was hit once again by another natural catastrophe, this time with a more widespread destruction resulting to thousands of fatalities and mind-boggling loss of properties.
Yolanda’s aftermath left millions of Filipinos homeless and displaced. Swathes of land became deserted and uninhabitable, local inhabitants walked like zombies along streets strewn with corpses; many are still unaccounted for as of this time and the dreadful sentiment of most survivors is that their relatives are either washed away with the receding sea water or have died under the pile of rubbles which lay untouched for many days already.
As the nation scamper to deliver relief supplies to the badly damaged areas, some pointed fingers and started playing the blame-game. More so in these difficult times, when suffering is high, emotions are feverish, and tempers are threadbare, it is so absurd to prove whose fault it is because victims are still waiting for relief especially those living in the remote areas. Certainly, our nation is in distress, and coping with a gigantic problem as huge as this scale is not what our officials were obviously able to foresee. As a third world country, our government agencies lack the capacity to deal with this kind of tragedy in haste. It exposed many loopholes and deficiencies in our government’s logistical program involving rescue operations during natural calamities.
Our fellowmen working and living in Israel were quick to respond to aid the survivors of that terrible catastrophe. It is during these times when our famous ‘bayanihan’ attitude comes into force. Filcom organizations and individuals solicited monetary and material donations from conscientious people in behalf of the victims, raising sufficient funds and goods that will benefit the affected Filipinos. Not only that, Israelis and other nationalities reached deep into their pockets to demonstrate their support, showing their commiseration wholeheartedly with whatever they can give for the families and victims of Yolanda. Focal’s Ms. Cheryl Sevegan herself did her part in helping raise funds and receiving material contributions, and so did FFCI-affiliated and non-affiliated Filipino organizations and groups which further enhanced our compassionate image amongst the foreigners.
As the world and all overseas Filipinos watch further developments on the continuing rescue operations in the badly damaged areas, it is apt and timely to express our gratitude to the quick response of many of these nations. Our country’s distress enabled the solidarity of many nations and governments in trying to help rebuild lives and bring hope to the homeless and orphaned. May the Lord God bless the victims and allow them to see a ray of hope through these generous helping hands that contributed for their sake.
Let’s continue to pray for the affected Filipinos and that they may see the ‘Light’ this coming holiday season…
God bless the Philippines!
Bro. Ferdie L. Bravo