The effects of calamities like typhoons and, more recently, earthquakes have plagued humanity for centuries. Nearly every generation experiences the devastation caused by nature’s unpredictability. Just as we were beginning to recover from the overwhelming impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Filipinos have once again been bombarded with fear and uncertainty brought by these natural disasters, including the fear of spread of influenza like virus this week.
The sudden rush to prepare for disaster, like in the onset of the 2020 pandemic, has caused some insensitive merchants to raise their prices for hard hats to almost 20-30% in just three days, and by the coming weeks probably to how much only the law of supply and demand will tell.
The Philippines, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is no stranger to typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. These calamities test our resilience and preparedness repeatedly. For schools, earthquake drills were conducted and hard hats were now part of students’ gadgets, not to mention whistles and flashlights.
For many, death is an inevitable part of life. It comes to all of us, regardless of status or circumstance, whether we are prepared for it or not. Yet, what strikes fear deep in our hearts is not death itself but how and when it will come. Will it be suddenly, through a violent earthquake that shakes the very ground beneath us? Or will it be slowly, as floodwaters rise and refuse to recede, threatening our homes and safety? Sometimes, it is as unpredictable and sudden as a lightning strike, sparking panic and helplessness.
Despite this, the Filipino spirit remains unwavering. Our people have a long history of facing calamities with courage, communal solidarity, and faith. Time and again, we come together to support those affected, rebuild our communities, and push forward with hope. The bayanihan spirit, just like when other cities sent a team to Cebu after the earthquake, a trademark of our tradition of communal unity and cooperation, shines the brightest in these moments of crisis.
However, beyond resilience and faith, there is also an urgent need to strengthen our disaster preparedness and risk reduction measures. We must invest in better infrastructure, enforce land-use planning that respects nature’s limits, and educate communities about proper emergency responses. Early warning systems and evacuation plans can save countless lives if consistently implemented and supported. Moreover, addressing climate change is crucial, as it directly influences the frequency and severity of these natural disasters.
These harsh realities, we are reminded to cherish life and prioritize safety. While we cannot control the forces of nature, we can control how prepared and responsive we are when calamities strike. It is a call for action, both from government institutions and from each citizen, to build a safer, more resilient future.
We cannot predict the exact time or manner in which life may end, but we can choose how we face these challenges. With faith in God, unity in community, and vigilance in planning, Filipinos will continue to rise above fear and devastation, embodying hope amid adversity. ||
