I am currently writing this blog while the rain is pouring hard and the wind is blowing on our roof. I decided to write this to distract my anxious self while we’re being hit by the typhoon. Luckily, the supply of electricity hasn't been cut yet and the internet connection is still working.
Since we are in the southern part of Luzon, the concentration of the rain and wind is not that strong compared to those areas near the eye and inner wind band of the tropical cyclone. Despite that, I can’t help but be anxious and worried for those who are greatly affected by it. How’s the situation while I am writing this? Are they safe? Did they evacuate to a safer place? How’s their mental state?
It's such a privilege...
Being in a sturdy house away from danger zones is such a privilege. I am lucky enough that we moved to a higher area where flooding is impossible. There’s also no mountain or higher slope of land nearby that can cause landslides. We are also surrounded by mountainous provinces that can help lessen the great forces of the wind. However, this privilege makes me guilty at some point. I can’t deny that while I am enjoying these benefits, there’s someone who is struggling with their situation. No one deserves to suffer.
The Aftermath
As the typhoon moves away from the land and the light starts to touch our soils, we will see the devastating effect of the natural calamity — the farmlands and crops that were destroyed by strong winds, dismantled houses, uprooted trees, fallen electric lines, and unfortunately, casualties. These are the typical scenes after a strong typhoon hit the country, and it’s so painful to see. Although we want to help all of them, due to our financial limits, we can’t. This is where we seek the higher-ups for assistance, asking them to do something to alleviate the situation. Because why not? We all pay taxes, and even a child who buys candy also pays and knowing that the government has the obligation to use the money they have collected on helping the people. Another thing is they are public servants, and we elected them.
The Toxic Positivity
I am expecting the toxic positivity that will spread on social media for the next few days.
"You shouldn’t feel sad because, on the other hand, you’re lucky that you’re alive."
"You can do it because Filipinos are resilient."
Basically, toxic positivity is the idea that people should keep a positive attitude no matter how dreadful or challenging a circumstance is. You can read more here
Just to share, I am not being negative here, but for me, the resiliency of Filipinos is the result of the poor management of the government to lessen the damage and suffering of the people. We got used to the condition where we don’t receive enough help or assistance, leaving us with no choice but to act and suffer on our own. It had already reached the point that our resiliency was getting abused, disregarding the main and underlying problem.
Uplifting, on the other hand, is different from toxic positivity. Here we acknowledge the problem and then help them by raising their morale to fight those battles.
How we can be better for the next calamity?
I wish sooner or later the government will invest in climate-proof infrastructure that will lessen the risks people will face, especially for those who are often affected by tropical cyclones. I remember what Atty. Robredo said, that we should build better instead of building again and again. According to her, we can save a lot of money in the long term if we do this. The higher-ups should consider relocating those people who live near coastal areas, or just build a strong and sturdy evacuation center so they can have a safe place to take shelter when a typhoon comes. The alert system should also be reassessed to see if it is effective or not in helping the public be informed about the incoming threat. While the disaster response should be improved to be more effective in helping the people in need,
These are just the thoughts that always pop into my head every time I see our repetitive situation when a typhoon comes. I am starting to get used to it, and it's scary because I might ignore and invalidate the feelings of those affected. Anyway, sorry for the chaotic organization of thoughts. I can’t help myself but share my opinions, or else I am not going to sleep peacefully, lol.