Conquering odds through unity

IT’S typhoon season once again. We anticipate storms in this time of the year and certainly government agencies concerned are getting ready with measures that would ensure safety of citizens.

As a nation, we have experienced innumerable pressures and difficulties-some extremely heartbreaking, others seemingly insurmountable. We were swept by calamities in all directions. We were beaten hard, and tested pitilessly by the ravages of time. Our country has gone through different crises that have in some point dampen our spirits, discouraged our wills and degraded our souls.

Amidst all these, the Filipino depended on one of its strengths of character--its sense of unity. Indeed unity can be the strength of a nation. It can in fact be the pride of a race.

Unity is solidarity. When Pinoys go far beyond their places, they are not divided by distance, nor disassembled by individual goals. Whether be it in Japan, anywhere in Europe or in the USA, the Filipino remembers the brown trademark and shows willingness to give himself to his fellow no matter what time of the day and no matter what it costs. My husband is one of the thousands of Filipinos repatriated from Libya a few months ago when war broke out in the North African country. In Egypt where they stayed for more than a week while embassy officials worked on their travel documents to expedite their exit, Filipino residents showed benevolence by means of giving food to refugees. A domestic worker from Mt. Province handed my husband a hundred dollars when she learned that he is a fellow Igorot.

This is just one of the countless heartwarming stories we hear concerning how noble the Filipino is.

Undoubtedly, the Filipino is an epitome of a good man. The culture of feeling others is innate in us, hence we feel the passion of our neighbors and we comprehend the dreams and aspirations of others. We are a peer to Asian; a buddy to the Westerners; a pal to the black and a friend to everyone.

Unity is the Filipinos’ empire of the mind; the power of the Filipino race. Its existence sees us triumph over hardships and pains. It sees our nation standing despite life’s battles and discords.

The typhoon season may just pose another disaster in our midst. Continuing on our tradition of unity would help us conquer odds. Our unparalleled motivation to be in union with others in the attainment of our goals speaks of our desire to elevate ourselves from mediocrity.

Natural calamities are under no man’s capacity to prevent. Nevertheless, however enormous is their extent, no amount of havoc can ruin what is beautiful in the human heart. Let us therefore always strive to cultivate what is admirable and gain God’s providence.