THIS phrase applies to all months of the year, nay, at all times: Peace and goodwill to mankind.
This may well be attributed to Messrs. Vladimir Putin of Russia, Xi Jinping of China, Kim Jong-un of North Korea and all tyrants of the world. Though I know this phrase may fall on their stubborn deaf ears!
As it is, they aim primarily to destabilize the orderly world, create chaos and confusion and dissension and leave costly lessons to mankind: that they can initiate everything chaotic and disorder without any remorse.
I am curious: Are Messrs. Putin, Jinping and Jung-un molded in the same manner of hate and condescension for their fellowmen? If they are, they are the present-day scourges of humanity and so, they have no place in the civilized world.
Peace and goodwill to all is an apt phrase for this season of merriment and celebration. For a while, we forget all the past sorry episodes of our lives: typhoons, earthquakes, landslides and the ensuing deaths and injuries to people, soaring prices and unabated inflation.
And let us not forget the devastating effects of the pandemic and the losses it foisted on our plans, dreams and livelihood. Peace and goodwill to all!
* * *
It is inspiring to see our President, Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., lead efforts to ascertain the day-to-day situations of our countrymen in hardest hit areas by the tof yphoons which visited our country.
His hands-on style has encouraged government officials and workers alike to rally behind in the effort to rescue, recover and provide relief and comfort for our countrymen. Doing good, Mr. President.
It is also inspiring to note that Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo C. Garbo is up on his feet ascertaining the needs of his constituents in the face of the onslaught of the typhoons. Though the city stands on a much higher elevation thus sparing it from the danger of floods, he nevertheless marshalled all the city's agencies and resources to adequately provide for his city mates. Good job, sir.
Ditto with other LGU officials, especially in the perennially-flooded areas of Macabebe, Masantol and other low-lying areas of Pampanga. They too were ready and alert to answer calls from constituents for assistance. This is the essence of the phrase, peace and goodwill to all.
It is during the turbulent times that we unite and fight any adversity. Pampanga Governor Dennis G. Pineda is also very alert and ready to provide assistance and relief to his fellow Kapampangans. Also a good job, sir.