by MEGS S. LUNN
Filipinos have these finer qualities and skills that we have for rallying hope and faith during the darkest moments. We cope up quickly while others stumble down into despair. If we are faced with problems, we are also good in finding the benefits in the situation. This is being RESILIENT. In times of despair, we can still manage to smile and wave. And Aklanons are not spared of this character.
Last November 15, 2011, Aklan was caught by surprised by a flood while PAG-ASA only reported low pressure weather earlier this day. During Typhoon Frank, we were only at home and we only felt shocked while we were working like Robots. We didn’t feel anything like this if you have not experience seeing the scary water at the bridge except that we wanted to clean up and help. Nobody talked to each other, for we also couldn’t believe it happened. It was not until the next day we asked who needs help, etc.
This time, though surprised, you see the different faces of people who were stranded along Kalibo - Numancia bridge national highway where their instinct was, no matter, what they had to go home and hopefully be safe.
During this kind of adversity, you can still see people who are just looking around and being nosy but absolutely unaware of the dangers the brazing water can bring about in a matter of hours or minutes even. Rather, they stood there watching over the chaotic road and not even moving or thinking of helping out. Others had to go down their car/jeepney and help push cars for the traffic to move quickly. Foreigners enjoyed the water while holding on to a bamboo trying to survive despite the strong current. Some were crying while walking through the waters yet others smiled in excitement because they were caught in pictures taken.
The volume of water that day was huge and not just from normal rain. We were soaking wet, trembling but praying.
It is also innate with us that we get stronger if we see others show up for support. Gov. Marquez was there checking and seeing the situation transpired. His mere presence alone to those who recognized him was able to boost our moral and made us feel like we will be safer. The Phil. National Police of Numancia and Kalibo were there to help ease the traffic and give the people warning if roads were passable or not. Unfortunately, we didn’t see our leaders of Numancia. We didn’t see rescuers, while others perhaps are concentrated inside Kalibo and or neighboring towns, they didn’t know it was getting worse at where we were. We also saw one PEO dump truck that was able to cross the scary water, while others small dump truck did their best to rescue and cross, but to no avail.
But above all these, there is a sublime peace in accepting the sufficiency of God’s grace by allowing Him to be strong in us when we are weak. Resilience is an attitude/character that makes us proud that all these will pass. /MP
Mother Nature Is In Trouble
For All We Care? It Starts Within…
by CHRISTY ANN J. NAVARRA
"Man makes war on the peaceful forests and each day, the shadows on the mountains retreat. Nothing will remain for us of the mystic refuges where we could garner thought and love" – Victor de la Prade
We feel the wrath of nature. Global warming, climate change, pollution, typhoons, and flash floods are some of the very common environmental issues that the world has been facing all these years. Several efforts had been made in order to prevent these environmental chaos especially its terrible effects. Devastation of typhoons, flood washing out almost everything, trees, houses and the worst, lives lost, debris blocking the roads and passages, thick mud feasting all over the place. These were dramatic scenarios we are getting used to.
For all we know, after the darkness dominates, a new dawn awaits. Soon as the sun shines, another life was given to all creations of God. It symbolizes glimmering hope and another life to those who almost feel weary and restless. Everything was back to normal. We find ourselves performing our tasks as we are destined each day.
Our nature is a precious gift from God; those flowers that blooms beautifully, trees bushing its green leaves, the scent of morning fresh air, the sweet humming of birds and bees and the rustling waves by the seas. Enjoying the scenic beauty of our rich environment is a paradise to enjoy big time! Our mother nature gives us much. It is abundant of blessings. It is our paradise!
Isn’t it nice to live in a place like a paradise without the fear at the back of our minds? We can’t say "oops, wait a minute" when the typhoon and flash flood is on. We all knew that no one is exempted when nature strikes back. It can happen to anyone, in any time and place and at any circumstances.
The task is enormous. It is not just a challenge but a dare for us to make a difference. Let’s be guided, inspired and empowered. We should be awake, alert, alive, and always ready to take a big step in conserving our environment and must be committed to preserve Mother Nature for life. /MP
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