Hidden, disguised blessings

Normally, no one really welcomes earthquakes, electric interruptions and typhoons with open arms. Acts of terrorism, like planting of bombs, are never welcomed, anywhere, any time.

Last week, all these events affected Cebu. An earthquake in Leyte caused power interruption not only here but in other parts of the country as well. That was followed by several days of Typhoon Caloy, which apart from grounding transport, spared Cebu, unlike other areas in Luzon where, sadly, deaths and damage were reported. Planted bombs and the killing of the suspected bombers took place recently also in Cebu. And while these natural and man-made events may have been unrelated, looking back, Cebu may just have been handed hidden, disguised blessings, with these event having taken place months earlier than the scheduled ASEAN summit.

How would Cebu have coped if the unexpected prolonged blackout happened during the ASEAN Summit, with the world's important leaders gathered in a suddenly darkened room? Of course, we are sure, preparations are now underway to ensure continuing power supply during the ASEAN Summit in Cebu. The recent earthquake-caused power interruption, we are certain, has prompted better energy supply preparation for the December event.

Cebu is not often frequented by typhoons in December. However, what if a typhoon does come at the same time as the ASEAN meeting? Again, Typhoon Caloy served to call attention for the Cebu authorities to reckon with this possible natural factor visiting Cebu together with the world leaders for the ASEAN summit. The killing of suspected terrorists and the success by which they entered Cebu and plant bombs is a cause for alarm but a more urgent reason for stricter, more serious security measures not only for the ASEAN summit for the sake of those in Cebu as well. What if terrorists managed to enter without being detected? That is certainly a question that Cebu will not wish to be left unanswered and unattended to, soonest. Threats from both nature and humans remain throughout the world and Cebu had a recent taste of these last week. Thank God, this time around, Cebu was spared the danger and damage that earthquakes, power interruption, typhoons, and terrorism bring. Let us all continue to pray that Cebu and all people, not only in Cebu but throughout our country and the rest of the world, are spared the ravages of these natural calamities and human terrorism.

Let us also thank God that Cebu was given hidden, disguised blessings in the form of the timely reminder about the probable havoc that these natural and human events can bring, if not seriously anticipated and prepared for. There is much to be thankful about as well for the blessing of time, that Cebu was made to go through these experiences early enough to have time, ample time to prepare very well to meet challenges that will come from possible recurrences of these events at any unexpected time. Let us hope and pray that these hidden, disguised blessings are not wasted and ignored.

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