It was 1990 when I first experienced the devastation, a typhoon can bring to an Island. Typhoon Ruping (Mike) rampaged through the entire Cebu province leaving many lives lost and a lot of people without homes. Electricity was out and people had to scour for water, endure long lines, a stampede at times, and the heat of the sun for a few buckets of water from neighbors and establishments who can afford generators. It took some time before the government was able to act and re-install broken electricity lines, fallen electricity posts and remove the trees that were victims of the Typhoon.
When Yolanda (Haiyan) came, Cebu City was not as affected but it opened the eyes of the Government Officials as their neglect and lack of coordination was broadcasted by several international news crew. Politicians as they were, they are still proud of themselves and for our neighboring countries to learn how corrupt our government is does not only bring shame to the current public officials but also would greatly affect their future candidacy and endeavors. The many lives lost, was a mere result of the lack of coordination and preparedness. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned about the super typhoon but this was brushed off and neglected, the National Government left the preparation to the local government who can only do enough. We are but grateful to the individuals and other countries who went out of their ways to help the Filipino people
Yolanda opened the eyes of not only Filipinos but also the people of the world, this is why when Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) came, the officials became overly prepared, which is a good thing. Perhaps they are hoping to redeem themselves to clean up the tarnish brought about by the Yolanda aftermath, who knows? But if you come to think of it, after Yolanda, other countries were able to organized a relief effort in just a few days, yet their efforts got wasted because up until now, donations given to the Filipino people has not yet been disseminated to where is it supposedly intended. There are news about rotting donations, piled up and were never distributed. But then again Filipinos are forgiving people, we often tend to forget the bad things done to us with just a little tickle here and little shower of affection there.
Despite all that though, no matter what the situation of our country is in, we, individual Filipinos should learn to stand on our own feet because help may not come on time.
For my fellow Filipino people, especially to those that are current victims of Typhoon Ruby, the lyrics of this Song, fits perfectly:
"Stand"
Don’t give up,
You’re gonna see tomorrow
That you’ll be on your feet again
Sometimes the world’s gonna knock you over
But you will see who are your friends
Come on, stand, up again
Come on, stand,
Stand, you’re gonna run again
Your faith and patience will be your soldiers
To guide you through your troubled times
Just put one foot in front of the other
The battles are inside your mind
You have the power to face your demons
No matter how they go at time
And rid yourself of your fear and weakness
So you can start to live your life
Come on, stand, up again
Come on, stand,
Stand, you’re gonna run again
Come on, stand, up again
Come on, stand,
Stand, you’re gonna run again
Pick up your will
And put on your face
If you need to, just take my hand
It’s time to demonstrate, don’t hesitate
Just get up and say "Yes, I can"
Stand, up again
Come on, stand,
Stand, you’re gonna run again
Stand, up again
Come on, stand,
Stand, you’re gonna run again
Stand, you’re gonna run again
Stand, you’re gonna run again
