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Philippines, Pearl of the Orient Sea |
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The second semester of the academic year 2013-2014 here in the Philippines has just started. With all the calamities that had struck the country, we remain hopeful that everything will be better. In Cebu for example, we experienced the earthquake that left many of Bohol's tourist attractions in ruins. That was the strongest earthquake I ever experienced. Some buildings here in Cebu City felt the wrath and collapsed. Classes were suspended for two weeks since school buildings were checked for occupancy fitness. Safety was and is always the priority.
After the mighty earthquake came one of the strongest cyclones in recorded history. Haiyan (or more popularly known as Yolanda here in the Philippines) flattened Eastern Visayas. Northern Cebu was badly hit. No words can best describe its devastation. You have seen it on television and heard it in radios. Victims had no food, water and shelter. Almost all the houses were gone in Tacloban. My friend in the area texted that their family was safe but their house had no more roof. Many of the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Eastern Visayas had minimal preparation for the storm surge and as a consequence, many of the LGUs were wiped out. Relief operations of the LGUs became dysfunctional and/or non-existent. As the national government started to take control of the relief operation, international sympathy and support was also gaining momentum. Tons of foods, clothes and other goods piled in the relief operation centers for repacking. These calamities taught us lessons and realization. First, we should not underestimate natural phenomenon such as storms. Better be overprepared than underprepared. Second, corruption should not be tolerated in any form especially in building classrooms and other multi-storey structures as strong earthquakes never give warning. Third, mangroves are not only environmental investments but also disaster prevention investments. Residents of General MacArthur, a small Philippine community survived Haiyan/Yolanda thanks to the mangroves that served as natural barrier of the storm surge. (read here) In these dark times, the Filipino resiliency is proving to be stronger than any earthquake and any typhoon. Many have died and many are grieving for the death of their loved ones. But our spirit remains hopeful. We stand firm and we continue to look forward for tomorrow. We will surely rise up from nothing. Hundreds of thousands may no longer have houses and roofs but we know that we still have a home we call as Philippines, Pearl of the Orient Sea. Mabuhay. |
 
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23 Comments
thanks for the info.
Posted 31-12-2013 01:30
thanks for share
Posted 22-12-2013 21:59
Thank you for sharing.
Posted 21-12-2013 23:42
thanks for the article !
Posted 16-12-2013 05:12
Thank you for the article.
Posted 13-12-2013 15:40
Thanks for the article.
Posted 11-12-2013 17:38
You second point of corruption is very interestin. I am still too young to fully understand about corruptions, so I really appreciate your views on it. I did hear about how some buildings that did not meet safety requirements caused more people to die annd get hurt. It is so sad.
Posted 10-12-2013 20:26
First lesson you state is very powerful. We should not underestimate natural phenomenon such as Typhoon Haiyan. I totally agree. And, yes, it is much better to be over-prepared than under-prepared, especially if we live in areas that were affected before.
Posted 10-12-2013 20:24
Thanks for the great report . Yes agreed with you "Better be overprepared than underprepared". Its pity what Philippines went thru this year . All the best. may God protect Philipinnes.
Posted 10-12-2013 17:29
Thanks for sharing.
Posted 10-12-2013 17:08
Thanks for the report.
Posted 10-12-2013 01:36
Thanks for the report.
Posted 10-12-2013 01:36
thank you for the post. Really great info and hope there are now more ways to prepare for natural disasters such as typhoons, hurricanes, and such. It really helps us be more aware of our environment and the slight changes it might have.
Posted 07-12-2013 10:57
We have a long way to go in rehabilitation of the typhoon hit areas. We really should think more of how we can do our part to mitigate the effects of global warming that are showing major effects in the Philippines.
Posted 05-12-2013 20:51
thanks for sharing.....
Posted 05-12-2013 19:27
thanks for sharing this
Posted 05-12-2013 17:50
thanks buddy
Posted 05-12-2013 17:02
lets be change
Posted 05-12-2013 09:47
Thanks for sharing.
Posted 04-12-2013 18:51
Thanx
Posted 04-12-2013 18:43
@Marjorie Well said :)
Posted 04-12-2013 09:30
I agree that we should not underestimate what the environment can do. We have to be more understanding and informed of the environment and its abilities.
Posted 03-12-2013 22:20
Thank you for the vivid article. I liked your insights.
Is there any changes in politics about preparations for natural disasters?
Posted 02-12-2013 17:00