Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining

Typhoon Yolanda

by Aaron Ong and Javi Amador

First, it was the Pork Barrel Scam, where ten billion pesos was stolen from right under the people's noses. Masterminded by Janet Lim Napoles, who, with the aid of her fake Non-Government Offices, took what was rightfully the people's and for the improvement of the country. Then came the heavy monsoon rains, which flooded various parts of Metro Manila. Many low-lying areas and communities beside river banks were greatly devastated. What came next shook the Visayas group of islands in the Philippines. The 7.2 magnitude earthquake which hit Bohol and a few surrounding areas decimated everything and turned historical places to rubble. Many were left homeless and injured. And while they were just recuperating from the disaster, another one strikes! "Super" Typhoon Yolanda, better known by its international name Typhoon Haiyan, is the strongest typhoon recorded to ever make landfall. Just to give you a taste of Typhoon Yolanda, it had winds up to 190 mph or 305 km/h whereas Hurricane Katrina had winds at the speed of 175 mph or 275 km/h. The number of confirmed deaths caused by Hurricane Katrina is 1,833 while the death toll of Typhoon Yolanda is about five times more than that. It seems like we're trapped in a never ending cycle of disasters and calamities. The nation has just been facing problem after problem, calamities striking one after the other. Now is the perfect time to show not just the world but also ourselves what we, "the children of tomorrow", when united, can do. However before we can look at ourselves as a country and as a people, we have to examine ourselves.

We are lucky enough not to be badly affected by these tragedies. But just because we are not affected does not mean that we should not care. The Philippines prides itself for having the most resilient people. However, despite the all the preparations arranged by the government and the people, many lives were still taken, families were still separated, and infrastructure was still devastated. All these were happening in the provinces directly hit by the hurricane, while some of us were lounging around comfortably in our homes, completely unaware of the condition of the areas affected. The death toll is estimated to be over ten thousand. As we speak, hundreds of refugees are flying in from the affected provinces. And while they worry on what to do to survive, some of us worry about our petty problems. We need to show others, who don't believe in us that we have not forgotten our less fortunate brothers. We need to show them that we are "men for others" always, not just "men for others" in times of need.

"The youth is the future of the nation" may now be a cliché, but it is in times like these when this statement is really put to the test. We, who are seen to be the future leaders of this nation, whether in politics, business or in other aspects, must be one with the rest of the country. Because if we do not do something, how can we expect others to do anything? Will we rely solely on the generosity and guidance of other countries? Of course not! We must also take the effort to make sure that we quickly rebuild and learn from this tragic experience. Remember, you still need effort to stand up even if someone is helping you up.

Instead of feeling sympathy for those affected, we should be empathetic and understand the situation they are in right now. Imagine going about daily life, doing what you usually do in a place like Tacloban or Leyte. Try to visualize the strong winds and heavy rain brought about by the "Super" Typhoon, uprooting trees, battering buildings and houses, and flooding the streets with sea water and debris, the very streets where you walked and did your everyday routines. The typhoon isn't just a destructive force of nature, it is also a dream-killer. Just think of how those who are affected feel, when they lost their loved ones and relatives, their possessions and homes to the hurricane. Think of how everything they cherish, their school, their hangout places and basically all memories and dreams are literally washed and blown away in a matter of hours. Imagine how it feels to return to nothing, to start from scratch and realize how they must now face the danger of looters, hooligans and even New People's Army rebels descending from their hideouts just to add to the chaos that already surrounds them.

Times like these are perfect opportunities to see what we're made of. Instead of just confining ourselves to the various school programs, why don't we also join other volunteer groups? Why confine our generosity to times of struggle? We should always look for ways to help those around us, instead of waiting for the chance to come to us. As the great Bruce Lee once said, "don't wait for circumstances, create them." And we should also do it sooner, instead of waiting for more trouble to happen.

We hear and see on the news numerous stories of bravery and sacrifice. One example is the story of Bernadette Tenegra whose daughter gave up her life to save her. Her last words were "Ma, just let go... save yourself." We all hope that she did not die in vain. That hope needs to manifest itself into action in order for that to happen. Bernadette's daughter, though young in age, was a grown-up and mature in her own right. She knew the consequences of holding on as she accepted her fate. We too need to grow up and take action to make sure that Bernadette's daughter did not die for a lost cause. We need to make sure that she and the numerous other survivors are saved.

Many countries, celebrities and organizations have already made an effort to donate and give assistance to those who were affected. Even the inmates of a Muntinlupa prison gave up their food to be donated to the victims of the typhoon. One can never be too poor to give. There is no such thing as being unable to give. So let us all help the victims. Help the Philippines rise above the destruction and the suffering and re-emerge as a nation anew. Show the world that we are the hope that our shattered nation needs. We are the children, the future of the world.