Hope For Humanity: A Life Worth Living

The year 2013 was probably the worst disaster that hit the Philippines, my beloved country. The day when the most destructive typhoon killed thousands of lives and families that were left homeless. November 8, 2013, was a nightmare to consider. Several lives were lost in an instant and many people suffered from post-traumatic stress. They were helpless, they didn't know what to do and they felt abandoned and neglected. It killed not only innocent lives but the hopes and dreams of many people; families who are living a very simple life and those who have just started to build their lives. It was all gone due to a major impact caused by Typhoon Yolanda, internationally known as Haiyan.

As a disaster-prone country, we learned to adapt to almost every calamity. We brave the storm and that proves the Resilience of The Filipino Spirit that we are as hard as titanium but as soft as a pearl. We learn to recover and stand up again despite the miseries we have experienced. We struggle, we cry, we laugh and we smile. That's the cycle of life we are meant to live. In the Philippines, that's our reality. We are waterproof no matter what challenges we are going through. We Filipinos are tough, but our poor soul experiences the pain that makes us feel helpless, meaningless, and lack direction and purpose. We became lost and wanderers in body, mind, and spirit.

Destruction of humanity caused by climate change is the greatest challenge we are facing in this century. We have caused great damage to the earth and we also suffer the consequence; hence disaster is becoming a normal occurrence that we must learn how to fight to survive. Yes, we are a survivor in this archipelago of stormy seas. Our survival instinct guides our actions to escape from harm and danger. Our bodies may have become weak, but our spirit still has the energy to live. That is Perseverance in Times of Despair that we develop in our character. We became fearless and we endure all the pain.

As a survivor, I have learned to acknowledge the importance of saving our environment; our nature; the habitat we are living in; saving the forestry that is becoming denuded, creating awareness for people who don't care. People are becoming greedy and busy with the destruction of nature just to gain wealth. That's their way to survive and their way to live. For us, we end up suffering. Those people are careless not to think and feel for the welfare of the people. Truly, destruction against humanity.

A simple way of expressing disgust for environmental destruction and showing support to the environment protection drive would mean a lot. I believe there are still people who are a better leader and has a voice and influence to beat the destroyers, the environment killers. I give my support to those who care for humanity and the world. There's nothing more worth living than a peaceful and heaven on earth experience. When we sleep so deep and wake up with higher hopes and goals to accomplish. When we live in harmony with nature and keeping our balance as we progress. There is nothing more in life than to keep everything fair and just.

My previous life experiences made me stronger and to think extraordinarily and My Life's Greatest Challenge prepared me for a bigger role of serving humanity through a personal transformation through higher consciousness. I've been prepared for disaster preparedness for a possible worst-case scenario. The world is ever-changing and unpredictable, however, we can always foresee the events based on the current trend. Today, we are Dealing with The Impact of Climate Change. That's our reality and we are now living on it. We can't stop it, but we can prepare for the worst thing to come to fully survive. I mean not only by physical level, but also by emotional, mental, and spiritual levels as well.

Life is good and it is worth living to have a little influence on others. We can make an impact in our own way based on what we believe is right and for the betterment of other people. Our humanitarian actions will go a long way; creating a ripple of kindness and goodwill that will eventually change the world to become a better place. It is our Heart's Desire: Living a Humanitarian Life that will influence others to stand up and take an action for better mankind. We have higher hopes for ourselves, but we are also hoping more for humanities' future. As I remember, service life is a life worth living and a life well lived -- the humanitarian way.

© 2017 Del Cusay

The Resilience of The Filipino Spirit: Dealing with the Impact of Climate Change

The recent environmental issue on climate change is greatly affecting humanity and the world and we are all living testimony of how our lives have changed in many ways; either we adapt to it or have become a victim of circumstances. This is not only about the present situation since we are looking forward to its massive destruction on the succeeding years and generations to come.

With the biggest issue on global warming leading to climate change, how can we foresee the future that lies ahead of us? How can we ensure that the next generations will live in harmony with the nature? Is the human race losing the battle and on its way to extinction? We may never know, but one thing for sure is that we are now living on uncertainty due to the destructive Power of Nature and consequence of greediness and negligence for personal gains.

The great debate on climate change started several years back and it has become a major issue confronting several nations most especially the Philippines, which is one of the most disaster-prone country in Asia and the world. This small archipelago of brave Filipinos have suffered tremendously at some point in time due to a major natural calamity; typhoons, landslides, earthquakes and storm surge that have killed thousands of Filipinos. 

Natural disaster may be inevitable, however the  Resilience of the Filipino Spirit made us stronger and became an ultimate survivor. Our survival instinct enable us to better prepare ahead and to anticipate for a more destructive forces beyond of control. We may have a bended knee, but that's only temporary as we are able to bounce back to live a fully recovered life. 

Philippine Government, NGOs and  even private companies and organizations are doing its mandate in response to their environmental duties and contribution for a more livable community. Media Company, Rappler has been a leader on its humanitarian effort concerning the effect of climate change.

Their AGOS project in partnership and coordination with several Government and  Non-Government agencies calls for an action to raise awareness to every Filipino that we can do something in our very own simple ways. Through the power of social media, we can be empowered to send and receive reports about calamities and disaster-related occurrence.

The AGOS project introduced a way of making a difference through a practical and achievable 3-way goal which is to "Prepare - Respond - Recover" applicable before, during and after of a disaster or calamity. 

The 2-day AGOS Disaster Preparedness on July 14-15 was a remarkable achievement of Government and Private Organization working together for a common goal to achieve a zero casualty in times of natural disaster. Rappler in partnership with Humanitarian Organizations was successful in attracting members, followers and volunteers who are willing to spend their precious time and devote positive energy for a humanitarian cause. 

Present on the event is our Philippine Senator, Richard Gordon who is the Chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross. He shared about the power of volunteerism and what they can achieve to alleviate the suffering and restoring the dignity of the victims of calamity. Senator Loren Legarda also shared about the environmental law which she has authored since early 90's. Her concept of zero waste management "Reuse - Reduce - Recycle" is her environmental advocacy teaching people to save our environment for further damage or harm. Other invited speakers talked about the role of their respective office or agency to minimize the effect of climate change and our ways for adaptation and survival. 

Together with Maria Ressa, CEO, Rappler

The initiative of Maria Ressa, CEO of  Rappler together with her whole team is truly commendable as they have proven their leadership in disaster management and their advocacy for a more resilient community.  Maria's approach to public-private partnership doesn't need huge budget, but to empower Filipino people especially the younger generations to become an active change agent capable of influencing others to have their commitments for Enviromental causes.

The Summit was very empowering as it inspires us to have a voice even in digital media. Through social media, we can actively communicate ideas and solutions that are beneficial for disaster management. The humanitarian drive creates a ripple effect of goodwill among its followers and will further influence young people for their active involvement in nation-building.

The great thing about being a Filipino is that our 'Bayahihan' culture has become digital and its evolution enables humanitarian and advocates to continue on living with a sense of purpose and direction. We have already proven the Resilience of The Filipino Spirit: A Year After Typhoon Yolanda and no matter what unfortunate events may hit us, still we're ready to break the barriers for a smooth-sailing journey to recovery.

We join hands together and our soul-purpose will lead us to uplift the lives of other Filipinos who are lost, misguided and victims of this sad fate. A resilient spirit will always be unshakable and always create a ripple.                                                                

© 2017 Del Cusay