TWENTY-ONE days before Christmas, Dec. 4, 2019, typhoon “Tisoy” ravaged the province of Albay causing damage to its infrastructure, agriculture and vital livelihood. The onslaught left nine dead and P811 million in agricultural damage. Estimated cost of destroyed classrooms was P600 million, while the cost of damaged classrooms was P272 million according to DepEd Bicol.
More than 500,000 people were also evacuated from their homes due to threat of storm surges, flood and landslides. The provinces of Albay, Sorsogon and Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region and Calbayog City in Samar were placed under state of calamity.
Ten days before Christmas, Dec. 15, 2019, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Southern Mindanao after a series of previous quakes. The Dec. 15 earthquake damaged at least 315 structures, which include 42 schools that sustained major damage. Seven hospitals saw thousands of patients forcibly evacuated to makeshift tents, municipal halls, police stations, government infrastructures and residential houses of 1,951 families with 9,755 individuals. The Southern Trade Shopping Center in Davao del Sur province and Canlas Commercial building collapsed with a number of people trapped inside. The death toll from the quake was placed at seven persons with numerous injured. All data gathered as of Dec. 17, 2019 were retrieved from updated press releases of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
It is very ironic to say the least that while most are busy preparing or others are just expecting good things for Christmas Day, two unfortunate natural calamities battered our fellow Filipinos in the provinces of Southern Luzon and Southern Mindanao. The thrill of the festivities of Christmas turned into a state of gloom and bewilderment for those directly affected by the tragedies.
The closeness of the typhoon in the Bicol area and the earthquake in the Davao province to Christmas Day has added more compassion and lots of sentimental feelings for the victims and affected people. With monetary problems faced on a day-to-day basis along other problems, havoc brought by natural calamities not only confounded the situation but present a perplexed, demoralizing and depressing view life.
“Tuloy pa rin ang Pasko!” Easy to say from the outside looking in. But come to think of it, we, Filipinos are known to be buoyant in times of crisis. Even His Holiness, the well-loved Pope Francis, during his papal visit last Jan. 15-19, 2015 hailed the resiliency of the millions of Filipinos affected by typhoon Yolanda which devastated Tacloban, Leyte and left at least 10,000 dead and $2.98 million in estimated damage. The Vicar of Christ said, “I admire the heroic strength, faith and resilience demonstrated by so many Filipinos in the face of natural disaster.”
It is a matter of faith. The birth of Jesus Christ, which we commemorate every Christmas Day, ushers much hope that carries us through trials and challenges of our lives. Manila Archbishop Luis Cardinal Tagle in his Misa de Gallo homily said that there remains faith and belief that Jesus Christ, the Savior will come. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial; for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)
Also, in times of disasters, we learn to help and share in whatever way we can. Cash and donations in kind help a long way for those in dire straits. This is when and where our “bayanihan spirit” comes into being. With the pouring of help, the affected people will feel that they not alone in their predicaments. Let us give our share, big or small, bills or coins, used or new clothing and other things that the victims sorely need, all these will boost their morale and will strengthen their spirit to fight and move on.
Even political differences are put aside in trying times such as these events. Vice-president Leni Robredo deferred the release of her drug report so government agencies will concentrate on the urgent matter of rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the provinces hit by the two calamities.
She even led in the call for assistance from the private sector for immediate distribution to Davao, the home province of President Duterte. Other sectors, like the religious organizations, media networks and non-governmental organizations have initiated solicitation of donations from their members and the general public.
Knowing that they are not alone, our brothers and sisters in the areas affected by the calamities are even more determined to beat the test and revel in the joyful feast of Christmas come Dec. 25. “Tuloy na tuloy na ang Pasko!”
Amid the rubble and deluge, Christmas is just around the corner for truly with faith and hope in our hearts, there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome. The Filipino spirit of resiliency will carry our brothers and sisters in the stricken areas through these trials and complementing this positive trait of ours is no other than the inherent “heart” of the Filipino.
“Laban Pilipinas, Puso!” was the battle cry popularized by our Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team in every game they had against much taller and much bigger opponents in the FIBA games. Win or lose, our team earned the respect and adulations of everyone, opposing teams included. It gave pride to our country more than games won and medals earned. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
Let us show that we commiserate with the plight of our hapless “kababayans” and our being one with them will transform their desperation into one of cheerfulness and optimism. Beyond their present hardships, sufferings and turmoil lies a horizon of clear skies ushering a Merry Christmas to one and all.
