Typhoon Agaton [Megi], entering the Philippines at the end of April, was the first tropical storm to hit the country this year. It was unusual to experience a typhoon during this time of the year. The climatic cycle has dramatically changed. But it just reminds us to be prepared and vigilant all the time because natural and man-made calamities will come at no particular time or season.
Typhoon Agaton was not a categorised super typhoon, but the aftermath effect was unbelievably as huge. The typhoon brought torrential rain for a few days in different provinces, including ours. It somehow has caused loosened soil and created massive soil and rock slides. It swept away homes, trees, animals, crops and everything in its paths and buried many lives alive.
Flash floods and landslides are worse than typhoons themselves. We cannot stop typhoons or any natural disaster from happening, but floods and soil erosion could be minimised if not prevented. It was the fateful day for many families who have lost loved ones, with some, up until now, still missing. There are many families left displaced and homeless.
May this help remind us that God has still a beautiful plan for us, and he soothes our pains and bruises.
Their stories were heartbreaking. I can feel their pain and agonies in their darkest times. I cannot find the right word to help comfort a wounded and grieving heart. They lost all their hard-earned possessions, even the lives of loved ones. Sure, life is hard for all the victims. Our hearts and prayers are for them that may God be their refuge and consolation in trials. And with the many problems of the world.
The war between Russia and Ukraine also greatly impacts people’s lives. Since Russia is one of the world’s largest sources of oil and petroleum products, the whole world is also affected and is suffering from inflation. Gas prices puffed up, and so did the basic commodities too. We can really feel the weight of the heavy Cross pressing down on our shoulders.
Now the general election has finished. We need to understand that there is no perfect government. All we long for is a government that genuinely cares for the welfare of all and serves the common interests and not of their own, being true, honest, credible and transparent. We should never forget that no one is above nor below the law.
May God bless us with leaders who can indeed lead and govern our nation in progress and unite its people in love and service. From there, we can have a happy, peaceful and harmonious country.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Lynn Batoliño
The Philippines
