"Today, we remember the innocent lives that were lost, the cry for help, the desperate actions, but we also remember the unsung heroes who have sacrificed in helping our countrymen to start another chapter of their lives. We thank those who have shared their sympathy and delivered humanitarian services to our people. We are not alone and we are blessed by your kindness and generosity."
It was a year ago when the Philippines experienced one of the worst catastrophes ever experienced. Typhoon "Haiyan" with the local name"Yolanda" became the deadliest calamity that hit our land. Thousands of people risked their lives, however, some were not lucky enough to survive. Several families lost their loved ones. They also lost their homes, properties, and sources of living. It was perhaps the most unforgettable and painful emotion ever felt by those people who were greatly affected by the tragedy.
November 8, 2013, was the day when almost the entire Visayan region was severely hit by a massive and destructive force that others wouldn't have expected to happen or even experience in their lives. Even when there was enough preparation by the local government and the announcement of the weather bureau, still the effect was so strong that has washed out the coastal village and have destroyed the entire city of "Tacloban" in the province of Leyte located in the central Visayas region. This was the place that was severely hit by the onslaught of the typhoon.
I was in a foreign land when the calamity happened and what I could do is to offer a prayer to the people and the place and also to my loved ones who are also residing in the affected region. It could break a heart to see images and videos on the television about the aftermath of the typhoon. Some people might have survived, but they are not totally a survivor since they fought for food, water, shelter and died from hunger. Although they may have survival instincts, others have sacrificed dignity and virtues and they resort to looting and fighting just to feed their family to survive.
No matter what calamities we may be facing, Filipinos will still rise up and continue to live as true survivors. Two weeks after the calamity, I described how Filipinos fought one of the greatest challenges in their lives. The Resilience of the Filipino Spirit would have proved to the world that we are brave enough for any battles in life. We may have been deeply wounded from within, however, the painful mark will leave a lasting memory of bravery and valor.
There was a destruction phase experienced, however, a year after, we've built our land again. We've put a smile on our face, we learned to laugh hard as if we have forgotten the worst nightmare. We are now rising above adversity and even prepared for a much stronger force beyond our control.
We have witnessed the signs of destruction happening here and there and we are learning something from all of these things. This may only be the beginning, but we must prepare for the worst thing to come. We are now dealing with uncertainty and we may never know when shall another life will be lost. If there are lessons we need to learn, then we have to ponder deeply and do our best to share. We are not only responsible for our own lives, we have something to do with our environment, nature, our precious land. There's a greater message why we need to learn adversity and to reform. After all, we don't want to risk thousands of lives again and experience miserable lives.
Today, we remember the innocent lives that were lost, the cry for help, the desperate actions, but we also remember the unsung heroes who have sacrificed in helping our countrymen to start another chapter of their lives. We thank those who have shared their sympathy and delivered humanitarian services to our people. We are not alone and we are blessed by your kindness and generosity.
The Philippines may be a small archipelago, but Filipinos have bigger dreams and significant global contributions. We are becoming stronger and wiser, and when we join hands together, we will rise up again. In our hearts, we do not commemorate struggles and misery, but we celebrate a life full of gratitude and mercy.
© 2014 Del Cusay
