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

The urgent and pressing environmental issue of climate change is not a distant threat but a current reality that significantly impacts humanity and the world. We are all witnesses to the profound changes in our lives, and we must either adapt or risk becoming victims of circumstances. The looming threat of massive destruction in the coming years and generations is a stark reminder of the urgent need for immediate action.

With the most significant issue of global warming leading to climate change, how can we foresee the future ahead of us? How can we ensure that the next generations will live harmoniously with 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 now live in uncertainty due to the destructive Power of Nature and the consequence of greediness and negligence for personal gains.

The great debate on climate change started several years ago. It has become a significant issue confronting several nations, especially the Philippines, one of the most disaster-prone countries in Asia and the world. This small archipelago of brave Filipinos has suffered tremendously at some point due to significant natural calamities, including typhoons, landslides, earthquakes, and storm surges that have killed thousands of Filipinos. 

While natural disasters may be inevitable, the resilience of the Filipino spirit has proven to be a powerful force. Our ability to bounce back from adversity, to prepare, and to anticipate more destructive forces is a testament to our strength. We may bend, but we do not break. This resilience is a source of pride and determination for us, showing that we can and will recover, living fully once more. 

The Philippine Government, NGOs, and even private companies and organizations are fulfilling their mandates in response to their environmental duties and contributing to a more livable community. For instance, the government has implemented policies to reduce carbon emissions, NGOs have conducted tree-planting activities, and private companies have invested in sustainable technologies. Media Company Rappler has been a leader in its humanitarian effort concerning the effects of climate change.

The AGOS project, in partnership and coordination with several Government and  Non-Government agencies, is a call to action. It aims to raise awareness among every Filipino that we can do something in our very own simple ways. We can be empowered to send and receive reports about calamities and disaster-related occurrences through social media.

The AGOS project introduced a way of making a difference through a practical and achievable three-way goal: 'Prepare—Respond—Recover.' This approach is applicable before, during, and after a disaster or calamity. 'Prepare' involves creating disaster preparedness plans and conducting drills, 'Respond' focuses on immediate actions during a disaster, and 'Recover' is about rebuilding and restoring normalcy after the disaster. 

The 2-day AGOS Disaster Preparedness event on July 14-15 was a resounding success, showcasing the potential of government and private organizations working together for zero casualties in times of natural disaster. The event featured workshops on disaster preparedness, demonstrations of emergency response techniques, and discussions on the role of different sectors in disaster management. Rappler, in partnership with Humanitarian Organizations, successfully rallied members, followers, and volunteers to devote their time and energy to a humanitarian cause. 

Present at 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 restore the dignity of calamity victims. Senator Loren Legarda also shared about the environmental law she has authored since the early 90s. Her concept of zero waste management, "Reuse - Reduce - Recycle," is her ecological advocacy, teaching people to save our environment from further damage or harm. Other invited speakers talked about their respective offices or agencies' role in minimizing the effect of climate change and our ways of adaptation and survival. 

Together with Maria Ressa, CEO, Rappler

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

The Summit was empowering, inspiring us to have a voice even in digital media. We can actively communicate ideas and solutions that benefit disaster management through social media. The humanitarian drive creates goodwill among its followers and will further influence young people to actively participate in nation-building.

The great thing about being Filipino is that our 'Bayahihan' culture has become digital. Its evolution enables humanitarians and advocates to continue living with a sense of purpose and direction. We have already proven the Resilience of The Filipino Spirit: A Year After Typhoon Yolanda, and unfortunate events may hit us no matter what. 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

Eid'l Fitr: A Moment of Peace

After a month-long battle between the Philippine Government forces and the local terrorist group, finally, our Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters in the city of Marawi in Mindanao have a glimpse of a peaceful hour for today's celebration of Eid'l Fitr, or the end of Ramadan — a meaningful religious festival to break the 30-day fasting. Though a short ceasefire, it may have given them hope to escape and live peacefully away from their devastated city. 

As I reflect on the significance of this religious celebration, we are in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters who sacrificed their lives to achieve a peaceful life. Islam, as a religion of peace, brings hope and does not instill fear and terror among fellow Islamic faithful; it may be the opposite of the current events where fearful people cry for the justice, unity, solidarity, and peace they deserve. As a Christian in faith, I condemn the evil acts of terrorism and wars brought by greed and selfishness. Even the religion of peace would have condemned the same adversity they have experienced for a long time. A never-ending conflict and war in the region resulted in political instability and has affected the social and moral welfare of the people. The psychological traumas in children and even adults will forever leave a permanent scar on their being. Unless they rise to adversity, they will continue to suffer until the end of their days. 

We are unsure what the future will bring to the people of Marawi, but we are one in prayers for their rehabilitation — their hopeful journey to recovery. It may be a spiritual test, but part of the recovery is understanding the nature of the Divine. A Violent God in Our Time would punish his people for the greater good and eventually achieve a heaven-on-earth life. Everyone can become a victim and a sacrifice for the future of humanity. It may be unjust, but that's the present reality in this world. People can kill others for wealth, power, and influence; a dictator can order a massive killing of his people; countries may bomb a non-allied nation. There's really evil in this world that is trapped in the hearts and minds of the radicals. 

People are getting anxious, fearful, and powerless. Nations are getting upset and always on fire. The world is getting so chaotic that we sometimes ask, Is There A Divine Light in A troubled Nation? This might give clarity and answer to the untoward events happening everywhere. In situations like this, we remain steadfast and faithful to the most powerful force in the universe. When a human being has lost its divinity, we again go through the process of purification to regain the divinity that is lost. With perseverance and faith in God, we can become whole again if there's a belief that There's A Certain Holiness in Us. Humanity must regain the lost being, so we can live in harmony and camaraderie with our brothers and sisters with a different faith. We are one nation that belongs to one world with universal feelings and emotions. We can always make a difference in other people's well-being through our loving and compassionate nature. No matter what race you and I belong to, our spiritual nature guides and directs us toward our purpose — to live and reign peace and harmony in our hearts forever.

© 2017 Del Cusay

Father's Day Special: The Greatest Gift

I remember when my father would give us practical advice about living our lives based on our choices. He might have gained an ocean of insight through personal struggles and miseries in his early days of fatherhood. As I grew up, I heard several stories that were inspirational and worth emulating; they would have pushed me to follow his path, and I was almost there. His life stories in the form of wise sayings, cliché, and hyperbole profoundly impacted me and will forever be in my heart and mind. 

It might be hard to emulate his ways, but I have learned from my father all these years to be generous and kind to people. As a public servant, he has the heart to serve the people in our locality and is driven and committed to giving back to society in any way he can. His kindness created a ripple effect of goodwill, and people were quickly drawn to his personality. His values and character make him win people's hearts, and it is his best weapon in staying on the ground and remaining strong. 

As courageous as he is, I have learned to be challenging yet gentle and always do my best to be on the good side—never to allow defeat when fighting for the right. His way of handling issues is always simple; he gives outright advice to inspire and move your spirit.

My father's faith in God has been a cornerstone of his life. He believes in surrendering to God and his challenges, and this faith has helped him overcome many trials. As our provider, he leads by example, always taking responsibility for our family and community.

He always considered the welfare of others and found ways to serve a greater whole. I may never know what the future holds, but I will continue to follow his example and cultivate kindness to others. 

It is always a challenge to me to become a better person, and it takes commitment and perseverance to become a better version of oneself. It's a choice we make, and when our soul purpose ignites the sleeping giant within, we can move the mountains if we keep our faith on a higher level. 

His journey in life is never easy, as he is confronted with obstacles that make him stronger. As he punches the barriers, he can envision limitless possibilities that we can achieve. He may have started to be a nobody, but with his determination and willpower, he has reached a milestone that we are all proud of. I will forever be a follower and continue the path that was started. After all, the greatest gift is not through materialism, fame, and riches but the gift of everlasting joy and fulfillment through service. 

© 2017 Del Cusay