EDITORIAL - There can be no zero casualties

There goes the government again, embarking on a Quixotic quest that is not only impossible but downright silly. Whoever came up with the notion that zero casualties can be achieved in face of calamities and disasters ought to have his or her head examined.

There is nothing wrong with aiming high. In fact not only government but everyone should be encouraged to strive for the best results. But there is a whale of a difference between great expectations and achievable goals. And that difference is a little something that goes by the name reality.

Calamities and disasters are matters beyond the control of anyone, least of all the government. Even the most advanced and efficiently-run governments are sensible enough not to go as far as aiming for zero casualties in times of calamities and disasters.

Only the Philippines has done so far, and it is neither advanced nor efficiently-run. What the government apparently fails to understand is that it cannot be faulted entirely for casualties during calamities and disasters. Oh yes there will be the usual blame game and finger-pointing. But it will have to stop at some point.

Eventually people will realize that no government on earth is truly ever prepared to perfectly deal with matters like calamities and disasters which happen in accordance with God's will. There will always be casualties in calamities and disasters not because governments did not prepare for them but because God said it was time.

The best thing governments can do under the circumstances is not really to contest the will of God by setting human parameters concerning the extent of calamities and disasters. Instead, governments would do well to just exercise due diligence in putting in place more efficient means of responding to emergencies once they strike.

Government must not measure success in terms of zero casualties because that will never happen. Instead it should measure its efficiency in the preparedness it exhibits, and in the swiftness and applicability of its response. Only by meaningful action can success be truly measured.

Still government must be congratulated for the concern it has shown. At least it is doing something to meet a challenge head-on. It is infinitely so much better for government to talk of impossibilities if at least it gets something done as a consequence. Better that than not seeing anything moving at all.