Volunteers re-packing the goods for Typhoon Ondoy victims
In the midst of all these hardships that the people in the affected areas are experiencing, what inspires and encourages me the most are the efforts of our fellow Filipinos from all walks of life in every city in the world to do something to alleviate the struggles of their fellow kababayans. Different sectors and groups of Filipinos around the world responded positively to the need by raising funds, goods and whatever they could collect to send back home and do a little help to those in need. Not to forget those rescuers and volunteers from non-government organizations who have risked their lives to rescue those who are on their rooftops and some secluded rural places who were trapped and had nowhere to go. My deepest respect goes as well to those that have raised funds (i.e. PNRC, et al) and have donated some money, food and other needs for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy who lost their homes and are now staying in evacuation centers. There are also those students and concerned ordinary citizens who have volunteered to help re-pack the goods that are to be distributed to the victims of Ondoy. These are ordinary people who have walked the extra mile to extend help to their fellow Filipinos. Support from different cities and provinces all over the Philippines also came in one after another. It’s heartwarming to know that even the inmates in Cebu have to let go of their one meal just to send the equivalent of sacks of rice and canned goods to the victims in Manila. Financial aids and goods came in from different countries as well.
A "mud-man" looking tired after cleaning all his mud-soaked furnitures from Typhoon Ondoy
Typhoon Ondoy has indeed taken its toll in the lives of so many Filipinos in the past few days. Many lives were surely changed in just one day. Many things were learned by everyone which I believe wouldn’t have been learned had these typhoon and flood have not happened. This disaster did not just affect those that were in areas reached by the flood but every concerned Filipino as a whole.
"Bayanihan" spirit still lives on among Filipinos
And now that Typhoon Ondoy (International code name: Ketsana) has left the country, relief operations and evacuations are still on-going. Some areas are still soaked under water. Yet some are starting to clean up the mess and mud that the flood has brought. This may take a while after everything will have to settle down and say it’s over. It’s quite discouraging and sad to see such sights, I know. It’s more painful even to those who have been worse-affected, that I know as well. And I know too that it’s not easy to forget (if ever we could really forget what happened) this part of the country’s history. But the more logical thing to do right now is to get up and keep going. We, as a nation should move on and face life head on. I believe in my heart the the Filipinos will weather this storm that had just hit the country, and even the ones in the future because of our faith in God and the survival and “bayanihan” spirit that we have within us. I know that God still keeps His eyes on to our country because there are still a lot of Christians who believe and truly trust God. There are still people who care and pray for our nation – I, included. And this bayanihan spirit that is innate in every Filipino is a powerful instrument that keeps us all united and accountable with each other wherever fate may bring us. The recent calamity just proved everyone that in times of sorrow and difficulty, there will always be your fellowmen with golden heart that is ready to help and rescue.
Kudos to everyone for the heroic acts that he/she showed during this tragic time. Mabuhay and Pilipinas!
If God is leading you to extend help of any kind for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana), you can do so by donating through some reputable government and non-government institutions. Listed down are just some of them. Thank you!
*Disclaimer: I do not take credit for any picture attached to this post. Photos were lifted from different sites on the web; for the sole purpose of sharing.
