The gems from Hagupit
Slow-moving but powerful Typhoon Hagupit was forecasted to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility yesterday, Wednesday afternoon. Very unpredictable, Typhoon Hagupit shifted from being a superstorm to a weakened yet still life-threatening typhoon. It moved so slowly and lingered in certain areas and then shifted its direction and veered towards the west, different from the earlier forecasted path to the west. We pray it finally dissipates so that no other country needs to bear the fury of Hagupit.
We mourn the death of the so-far reported 27 Filipinos and we look forward to complete zero casualties for the country. It was like hearing sweet music, however, to read reports of zero casualties gratefully announced for many localities throughout the country.
While Haiyan still lingers in our minds and hearts and the grief for thousands dead and thousands more missing, we also are able to breathe a sigh of relief to see the legacy left by Haiyan - to be alert and effectively prepared for every typhoon or disaster always.
We witnessed the early call for evacuation and for typhoon preparation made by so many: the government, both national and local, the civil society, communities. The Yolanda fear, the Haiyan storm surge remains a painful yet precious gem to remind all not to take any storm for granted and always to be ready and prepared.
It was no longer difficult to ask people to evacuate. Evacuation centers were also set up throughout the country. Thousands were moved from dangerous areas in the path of the furious Hagupit. And this practice should be continued so that we reach our goal of zero casualties finally and not allow any other typhoon or disaster to claim precious lives of any of our people.
We hope another gem discovered by all from Hagupit is the valuable importance of collaboration and unity. So many lives and resources were spared because everyone tried to do their share, however they could, wherever they could. Galing ng Pilipino, mabuhay!!!
Disaster management groups and networks were tested and tried, and with more practice, will truly be effective channels to keep our people safe and protected. Communication and mobility need to be perfected but gratefully, the networks served our people during the height of Hagupit.
There is a need to review the conditions of the evacuation centers, for example. It is not enough to evacuate people - their basic needs for food, water, toilet, energy source, precious sleep etc need to be addressed adequately. The stability and security of the evacuation centers must also be ensured and therefore, from now, maintenance check-ups should be regularly conducted so that the evacuation centers can be used at any time these are needed.
There is also the need to check how effective and how people/gender-sensitive the relief supply and distribution system works in every locality. If the present national relief supply and distribution is time consuming, with basic items needed urgently, then localities can learn from those that have formed their own local relief network. Self reliance for communities can be a goal included for disaster mitigation and management.
We hope another gem discovered by all from Hagupit is the valuable importance of collaboration and unity. Time to assess as well the structures that were set up to provide homes and schools and other buildings in various communities after Haiyan. And here lies another gem from Typhoon Ruby.
Did you see the sturdy homes built with local materials, sariling atin, that withstood the fury of Hagupit? Not only were these homes kept standing with local materials, nipa/bamboo houses, if properly reinforced, bring out the beauty and the best of our culture as well! Ganda ng Pilipinas, sariling atin! Galing!
You may wish to write to us and share with us the gems that you discovered from the latest Hagupit experience?
Now that Hagupit is about to leave our country, time to assess and be proud of the most precious of all the wonderful gems left by Hagupit- God! He never abandons His own sheep. Our people's unity, faith and prayers, our God- these are gems we can forever rely on against any disaster that may come our way.
Mabuhay ang Pilipino, mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay po kayong lahat! Thank you Lord!
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