Wishing for more calamities just to fulfill the satisfaction of class suspension surpasses the moral compass of an individual. As the Philippines experiences frequent earthquakes and typhoons, some scream for their safety, while others yell in excitement or, worse, wish for more.
Is this a harmless joke or an alarming mindset?
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), on September 30, 2025, an earthquake struck Cebu City with a magnitude of 6.9, followed by almost 12,000 aftershocks as of October 19, 2025. This calamity caused major destruction to people's lives considering that earthquakes are unpredictable and they are vulnerable to them.
However, while people in Bogo, Cebu screamed for help and ran in terror to secure their lives, it caused an alert for nearby provinces to suspend classes for everyone’s safety. But instead of showing humility, compassion, and empathy, students showcased excitement, joy, and happiness. Their enjoyment was others’ sorrow.
Moreover, on October 10, 2025, a powerful pair of offshore earthquakes occurred with magnitudes of 7.4 followed by 6.8 that hit Davao Oriental. This was labeled as a doublet earthquake that triggered tsunami warnings, followed by hundreds of aftershocks.
This major event caused another horror in people's lives, especially those who were affected by it. With that, some local governments announced a class suspension to conduct an inspection in each school to ensure no damage was present. Therefore, students were asked to go home to their respective houses.
Yet, what did others do?
Instead of going home, some flew to the shore, to the mall, to the park, or to any other places that were not their houses. They used the suspension as a time to escape or unwind. The essence of safety was instantly forgotten and was seen as an inconsiderate response.
Furthermore, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), approximately 20 tropical cyclones entered the country in 2025.
Thus, while some spent their time happily swimming at the beach, others were fighting to survive the floodwater.
Additionally, wishing for more calamities that might cause one’s life to end just to have short freedom or escape from school is extremely insensitive. Instead of showing empathy, selfishness is displayed. While others see it as a harmless joke, it conveys insensitive behavior.
Do people really need to sacrifice others’ safety just to meet their desires? Isn’t this inhumane behavior?
Aside from that, it may save some from deadlines for performance tasks or school activities, but at what cost? Risking people's existence just to satisfy a desire for freedom? Students were saved from their school deadlines, but some victims were not saved from their own deadline.
Although, students only wish for class suspension because they are exhausted from academic pressure, not because they want people to suffer. And it is true that they are overwhelmed with academic burnout and often long for rest, wishing for calamities is never a justifiable response. There are healthier and more humane ways to advocate for academic break without hoping for others’ suffering.
This alarming mindset is not advisable. Being kind and showing empathy will not empty one’s existence; instead, it will fill it up. Instead of acting excited, spare time to offer prayers for others’ safety. Put yourselves in their shoes, because one will never know, one’s happiness may be another’s sadness and one’s pleasure may be another person’s trauma. Suspension should be treated as a safety measure, not a source of celebration.
Is this a harmless joke or an alarming mindset?
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), on September 30, 2025, an earthquake struck Cebu City with a magnitude of 6.9, followed by almost 12,000 aftershocks as of October 19, 2025. This calamity caused major destruction to people's lives considering that earthquakes are unpredictable and they are vulnerable to them.
However, while people in Bogo, Cebu screamed for help and ran in terror to secure their lives, it caused an alert for nearby provinces to suspend classes for everyone’s safety. But instead of showing humility, compassion, and empathy, students showcased excitement, joy, and happiness. Their enjoyment was others’ sorrow.
Moreover, on October 10, 2025, a powerful pair of offshore earthquakes occurred with magnitudes of 7.4 followed by 6.8 that hit Davao Oriental. This was labeled as a doublet earthquake that triggered tsunami warnings, followed by hundreds of aftershocks.
This major event caused another horror in people's lives, especially those who were affected by it. With that, some local governments announced a class suspension to conduct an inspection in each school to ensure no damage was present. Therefore, students were asked to go home to their respective houses.
Yet, what did others do?
Instead of going home, some flew to the shore, to the mall, to the park, or to any other places that were not their houses. They used the suspension as a time to escape or unwind. The essence of safety was instantly forgotten and was seen as an inconsiderate response.
Furthermore, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), approximately 20 tropical cyclones entered the country in 2025.
Thus, while some spent their time happily swimming at the beach, others were fighting to survive the floodwater.
Additionally, wishing for more calamities that might cause one’s life to end just to have short freedom or escape from school is extremely insensitive. Instead of showing empathy, selfishness is displayed. While others see it as a harmless joke, it conveys insensitive behavior.
Do people really need to sacrifice others’ safety just to meet their desires? Isn’t this inhumane behavior?
Aside from that, it may save some from deadlines for performance tasks or school activities, but at what cost? Risking people's existence just to satisfy a desire for freedom? Students were saved from their school deadlines, but some victims were not saved from their own deadline.
Although, students only wish for class suspension because they are exhausted from academic pressure, not because they want people to suffer. And it is true that they are overwhelmed with academic burnout and often long for rest, wishing for calamities is never a justifiable response. There are healthier and more humane ways to advocate for academic break without hoping for others’ suffering.
This alarming mindset is not advisable. Being kind and showing empathy will not empty one’s existence; instead, it will fill it up. Instead of acting excited, spare time to offer prayers for others’ safety. Put yourselves in their shoes, because one will never know, one’s happiness may be another’s sadness and one’s pleasure may be another person’s trauma. Suspension should be treated as a safety measure, not a source of celebration.
Z
Written by Zaynah Jane Bayron (Heartless Sunny), Insight PH
Zaynah Jane Bayron (Heartless Sunny), Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
