Just one day after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s State of the Nation Address, he had just outlined his achievements, plans and projects for the Philippines and the Filipino people. Now come the challenges, as massive flooding has submerged many provinces, especially cities in Metro Manila, due to the southwest moon, and has been intensified by Super Typhoon Carina. The lives of many Filipinos were made even more miserable as the roaring floodwaters swept away everything in their path. Many people are helplessly calling for help to be rescued from the despair of the rising floodwaters, especially the most vulnerable such as children, the elderly and people with disabilities. As well as saving human lives, we also save the lives of animals such as dogs and cats. In times of disaster and tragedy, no animal should be left behind. Their lives are just as important as those of people.
It was so painful to see many lifeless animals like dogs and cats drowned in the flood while still in the cage.
The loss of loved ones and pets is equally painful and distressing. We need to be loyal to our pets as they have been loyal companions to us. They are the purest, smartest, sweetest and most loyal human companions and friends. I know this because my husband and I are happy fur parents to a Labrador. They deserve to be treated with such kindness and compassion.
On the other hand, what we feared has come to pass. However, the government cannot solve this problem alone, as we can see, despite the fact that the government has allocated a huge amount or budget for the drainage system, and I think not only in Metro Manila but in cities and provinces all over the country, the flood water still cannot easily recede. We are also guilty of being the cause of these man-made disasters. I think it is all about our attitude and mindset that even a small act of kindness and care for our Mother Earth really starts at home, in our own households. Tons of rubbish can be seen everywhere after the flood. We cannot blame nature for all this suffering happening before our very eyes.
May this help to awaken our consciousness. We cannot always turn a blind eye. Sometimes we have to stand up and say what we think about this global environmental problem, we are called to participate and get involved because it is our sacred duty to save the earth, to preserve and maintain its beauty and well-being.
We cannot stop the rain. In fact, rain is a blessing from above. We have prayed hard for it during the time of drought or El Niño. Because of climate change, flooding is happening not only in the Philippines but even in some parts of the world. It has even happened in developed and advanced countries. Like in Dubai, they are not prepared for floods because it has not happened in their country. But here in the Philippines, it has been a problem for a long time, but until now, we have been stocked with this kind of problem. We should have been better and wiser and well prepared every time we face this kind of weather phenomenon. The problem is like a contagious disease, not finished with one here, then comes another when some sea vessels capsized when Southwest Moon and Typhoon Carina hit and this has caused oil spill in our oceans. It has also affected the lives of many fishermen and all other sectors. We do not know how the Filipinos can rise from all these sufferings, but I know that we can. God will never allow his people to go hungry. He was so concerned about what they would eat that he made miracles of fish and bread so that his people would be full and satisfied. He would even send manna from heaven for his grumbling people.
Lynn Salinas-Batoliño
The Philippines
