ENGINEERING development, robotics, inventions and innovations—all these for our comfort and speedy service. We have become too impatient that we want things done in the blink of an eye.
There’s that urgent need to be able to predict when calamities will happen so that we can be prepared. No technology has been invented yet, so what are we to do under the circumstances? Mindanao was hit by three high intensity earthquakes last year and Batangas was just recently caught unprepared when Taal Volcano erupted.
Thousands were forced to evacuate and were homeless. Businesses had to close. The humbling experience of relying on donations and government assistance in order to survive compeled our brothers and sisters to make do with whatever was available. The rationing of food and makeshift accommodation in gyms, schools, cockpit and churches were good reasons to call on to God for strength especially by parents who certainly do not want their children stripped of the comforts of home. Every evacuee had a story to tell while painstakingly being resilient and being quiet in accepting his fate.
Nature could put us in the most unfortunate situations that it is rather easier to give up than to be hopeful, especially when faced with economic dislocation. However, we, Filipinos, cling to our faith that God will not give us adversities that we cannot handle. Before even making a call for disaster preparedness, government should strictly implement laws that prohibit Filipinos from settling in danger zones.
For most of us who were not affected by these above-mentioned calamities, we have so much to be thankful for. We express our gratefulness by being kind and generous to the victims. The kindness and generosity of that woman who distributed masks free of charge to those affected; that man who opened his home to families with infants; barangay residents who rescued and adopted animals that were left in the danger zones cannot be overstated.
Every now and then, we experience Mother Nature’s wrath. Every single time we are hit, the same predicament: We leave our homes with barely nothing; the same sad narrative. Unwillingness to leave our homes even if danger is imminent, and the same scenario... no decent accommodation.
Greedy businessmen take advantage of the situation. Aside from revocation of business permits and licenses of these unscrupulous suppliers who overpriced N95 masks, they should be meted the harshest penalties.