Disasters are nothing new to Filipinos, and these past months have witnessed the Filipino spirit overcoming disaster after disaster.
We have had earthquakes, thunderstorms, and because of them, loss. The aftermath of all these have been both devastating and fulfilling. It is devastating to see our countrymen suffering. It is devastating to see beautiful places ruined in an instant. It is devastating to know how we cannot escape it, but it is fulfilling because we have united to help our country and our fellow Filipinos rise again.
Filipinos have always been creative. That’s why I’m no longer surprised that after Supertyphoon “Yolanda” left, they found different ways to help. There are donation collections, fundraising concerts, auctions, medical-dental missions and counseling for victims—those who, more than anyone, deserve to be called survivors. And it’s in times like these that volunteers like myself find inspiration to keep doing things, even for those I do not personally know.
As a volunteer, doing relief operations is nothing new to me, but it is still fulfilling to see that everyone is involved in a greater cause—to heal the wounds of our injured nation.
Our message is simple and clear: We are here for each other. And to me, being part of the Yolanda relief operations is a priceless experience, one that has enabled me to help lift people up and make them feel that they are not alone in this undertaking, that there is still hope despite all the hurt and the pain that they’ve been through.
However big or small our contributions are, they are still that—contributions, actions that, when combined, move us forward.
For the good of others
I remember one of the most unforgettable experiences was on Aug. 23. My classmates and I went to World Vision Philippines’ office to help repack the goods to be delivered to their child sponsors who were victims of typhoon Maria.
I was taken aback when most of my classmates wanted to go to the location and help. I was surprised because knowing their personalities, you wouldn’t think they were up for the challenge. As soon as I got over my reaction, I felt happy knowing that we were doing something new, and something for the good of others.
As part of the youth of this nation, I feel that doing the relief operation allowed me to take a step back to see the bigger picture. Regardless of how important we think what we are doing is at the moment, it is irrelevant in the greater scheme of things. We are just parts of a whole, and our actions can affect lives. And as long as we know we have that ability to affect lives, we should continue to hope we can bring about a greater change for our nation, for our world.
Disasters have their own way of making us realize that we should humble. Even though we may seem to have less, we still have more to give to others who may have lost a lot, or almost everything.
For me, this disaster is the perfect opportunity for the Philippines to become one again—to unite to rebuild a better nation.