I believe in the power of prayer. As a faithful, I was taught that in times of uncertainty, prayer is always key. Yet, I also believe in a time to act. This is the moment where we now, especially those on top, need to act.
Earlier this week, President Marcos declared a national state of calamity. This, as Visayas and parts of Mindanao and Luzon have been devastated by Typhoon Tino. As the typhoon made multiple landfalls in the region, I was situated in Dumaguete City. Fortunately, our area did not suffer as much. But, the same cannot be said in nearby Negros Occidental and Cebu.
The country has grappled with many storms before, all varying in intensity. Yet, somehow we have not adapted nor taken action in our country's struggle with its climate.
As of writing, Typhoon Tino has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is now replaced by Uwan—threatening those in Luzon. In its path, Tino flattened communities, devastated families, and killed many individuals. Scrolling online, you would see the extent of what Tino has done to our country. But the question is not, "What are we to do about this?" It's the actions we should take to prepare for the next one.
Now, Super Typhoon Uwan poses another threat—Luzon will now face another hurdle. From recent reports, we have seen devastation in Bicolandia, Central and Northern Luzon. Mother Nature is making it clear—we can't do anything to stop it, nor can we stop any future ones. Certainly, I can say in addition—we are not ready for it to come, as the year has yet to end and another year beckons more dangers.
For months on end, we investigated fraudulent flood control projects all over the nation. From the estimate of Cebu Province alone, 20 billion was spent on their island. Yet it is clear as day that those projects were as ineffective as placebos are at treating diseases. Nature is proving us wrong, as we speak.
Years before, we were warned of the dangers of both faulty and substandard infrastructures paired with our destruction of the environment.
When Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago was still alive, she investigated fraudulent mismanagement of funds by the Department of Public Works and Highways. At the same time, the late environmental secretary, Gina Lopez, warned of the catastrophe that illegal mining and other polluting activities would do to our nation. "If we destroy the environment, we destroy everything!"
We were warned. We were shown what our actions would lead to. Yet, we were both blind and deaf. Failing to recognize and acknowledge our crumbling reality.
But many did heed these warnings. But they were not enough to make large changes. Especially as those at the peak were too busy filling their pockets.
So I sit here, in deep thought. We ought to do something, right? Because the reality is—faith without action is dead. We cannot simply pray for our problems to go away.
Storms and calamities will always come and go. Yet, in every disaster, a solution will always be present.
Now, our task is this: Demand justice for those that drown from this injustice. Enough is our talking, and so is our sympathy. Let us continue to be sympathetic and prayerful. But let us pair it with action that seeks for accountability and truth. Otherwise, we ought to be praying for our own demise.
Earlier this week, President Marcos declared a national state of calamity. This, as Visayas and parts of Mindanao and Luzon have been devastated by Typhoon Tino. As the typhoon made multiple landfalls in the region, I was situated in Dumaguete City. Fortunately, our area did not suffer as much. But, the same cannot be said in nearby Negros Occidental and Cebu.
The country has grappled with many storms before, all varying in intensity. Yet, somehow we have not adapted nor taken action in our country's struggle with its climate.
As of writing, Typhoon Tino has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is now replaced by Uwan—threatening those in Luzon. In its path, Tino flattened communities, devastated families, and killed many individuals. Scrolling online, you would see the extent of what Tino has done to our country. But the question is not, "What are we to do about this?" It's the actions we should take to prepare for the next one.
Now, Super Typhoon Uwan poses another threat—Luzon will now face another hurdle. From recent reports, we have seen devastation in Bicolandia, Central and Northern Luzon. Mother Nature is making it clear—we can't do anything to stop it, nor can we stop any future ones. Certainly, I can say in addition—we are not ready for it to come, as the year has yet to end and another year beckons more dangers.
For months on end, we investigated fraudulent flood control projects all over the nation. From the estimate of Cebu Province alone, 20 billion was spent on their island. Yet it is clear as day that those projects were as ineffective as placebos are at treating diseases. Nature is proving us wrong, as we speak.
Years before, we were warned of the dangers of both faulty and substandard infrastructures paired with our destruction of the environment.
When Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago was still alive, she investigated fraudulent mismanagement of funds by the Department of Public Works and Highways. At the same time, the late environmental secretary, Gina Lopez, warned of the catastrophe that illegal mining and other polluting activities would do to our nation. "If we destroy the environment, we destroy everything!"
We were warned. We were shown what our actions would lead to. Yet, we were both blind and deaf. Failing to recognize and acknowledge our crumbling reality.
But many did heed these warnings. But they were not enough to make large changes. Especially as those at the peak were too busy filling their pockets.
So I sit here, in deep thought. We ought to do something, right? Because the reality is—faith without action is dead. We cannot simply pray for our problems to go away.
Storms and calamities will always come and go. Yet, in every disaster, a solution will always be present.
Now, our task is this: Demand justice for those that drown from this injustice. Enough is our talking, and so is our sympathy. Let us continue to be sympathetic and prayerful. But let us pair it with action that seeks for accountability and truth. Otherwise, we ought to be praying for our own demise.
A
Written by Augustine Immanuel Cantila, Insight PH
Augustine Immanuel Cantila, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
