YES, those were hurtful words pitched against Mindanaoans and the Mindanaoan President. But those hurtful words came from the same people and groupings, anyway. By this time we should be wise enough to know what is fueling the hatred in their hearts.
Let us not be afflicted by this bitterness they want to spread.
It is as it has always been, anyway, let us rejoice. For amid the seeming hopelessness and helplessness of the affected, we see once again the spirit of Mindanao. That of extending help as fast as possible and if possible (although with social media and everyone equipped with mobile phones, that is now no longer possible), without media coverage. Even Angel Locsin’s ballcap and jacket couldn’t hide her from the crowds in NCCC. Let’s just be happy that it’s the citizens broadcasting these and not an entourage of Manila media given free rides and posh accommodations to trail after celebrities, celebrity anchorwomen, and officials as it was before in the very recent past.
Just as they are the few who take every opportunity to mock the President, Mindanao, and the Visayan accent, they are also the few who were staunchly against martial law in Mindanao as if they have control over our wants and needs. In short, sila-sila lang yan. Don’t even waste a second of heartache.
Let us find strength in the overflowing concern of every Mindanaoan. Let us bask in the love that radiates from our people. Don’t even let some rants from the affected anger us. Understand them and listen to what they are saying.
One person comes to mind at this time: Former Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco when he was still mayor of Maribojoc in Bohol and the island was hit by a powerful earthquake. He stood his ground against epals who wanted the photo opportunities that go with the selected beneficiaries and demanded that every donation be coordinated with the LGU so that even the farthest sitio is reached. He got the flak from a senator then, but he stood his ground and his people were served in the best way possible. In the end, Mayor Jun earned the respect of his townmates for he made sure that relief goods distribution followed a system with the widest possible reach.
In times like this, we must not allow petty minds to affect us. There is massive work to be done, let’s contribute the best way we can. Let the bitter few ferment in their own bitterness.
Expect by this time that these bitter few will be looking for the President. They who can never imagine public service without massive media coverage and crying crowds are not worth our time. (Flashback, a Cabinet Secretary all wet under the post-Yolanda rain distributing individual 16-ounce water bottles. Yes, that level of epalness). Let’s work and pray for divine protection while thanking the Universe for gifting us with people who have big hearts and bigger network of helping hands.
It is as we reap that we sow. Let us reap goodness and kindness, nothing else.
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