IT IS sad to know that certain critics of the present administration have politicized the recent earthquakes in Mindanao. Instead of keeping their mouths shut, they posted on their social media remarks that seem to celebrate what happened here.
Leah Navarro and Yoly Villanueva-Ong caught the attention of many netizens for all the wrong reasons. While they have the right to express their opinions, what they posted on Twitter were offensive.
We love how Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Luz Ilagan responded to these kinds of posts, particularly on Navarro's post.
"It pains me when Filipinos from Manila gloat and declare "retribution" has come to Mindanao. It is so Unchristian, nay, so Unfilipino, to take unusual glee in seeing the suffering of others, simply because they are from Mindanao," Ilagan said in a Facebook post.
She added, "Now, Mindanao is reeling from incomprehensible devastation. Must we search for reasons for the suffering and claim it as "retribution" and that the people of Mindanao had it coming? It is sad. It is painful."
Instead of wallowing too much on the negative and offensive posts following the earthquakes, Mindanawons got together to help those affected by the earthquakes.
Hours following the magnitude 6.5 earthquake on October 31, different organizations and individuals have started their respective donation drive. Donations have varied from cash assistance to materials and food like water, tents, and canned goods, among others.
With so many donations from fellow Mindanawons coming in, the Provincial and the Municipal Governments have established their respective command centers to help distribute the items to affected areas.
Different volunteers from various background have also been assisting in repacking relief items at the Task Force Davao headquarters at Sta. Ana Pier in Davao City.
While the earthquake brought devastation in certain areas in Mindanao, it also brought out the good in many. Mindanawons have shown that regardless of our religious beliefs or background, bayanihan is alive in Mindanao.
If you want to help through donations, SunStar Davao has also launched its donation drive over the weekend. You may donate any of the following: canned goods, rice (packed or sacked), bottled water, tents or trapal, toiletries and hygiene kits, basic medicines and first-aid kit, mosquito nets, and clothing.
Drop off center is at the SunStar Davao office, Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St. Davao City. We are beside Holy Child College of Davao and across Ateneo de Davao University. Contact person is Julie Dumalag (09209380359).
For cash donations you may send it through any of our bank accounts: 0014-1000-2710 (Unionbank), 000-86001-7370 (Banco de Oro (BDO)), and 4003-7000-6619 (Philippine National Bank). Account name for the three is SunStar Davao Publishing, Inc. Kindly email a photo of the deposit slip to ssdavao@gmail.com or message us in our Facebook page so we can monitor your cash donations.
To those who have already extended their help to the people of Mindanao, a big thank you to all of you!
Instead of spreading hate and wishing misfortune, we should focus our efforts in helping those who are in need and spreading as much love as we can.