As we were going through the zigzag road from Tacloban on our way back to Ormoc, a slight drizzle started despite the very hot shining sun! "Nag-uwan, nag-init, fiesta sa langit." And lo and behold, a beautiful rainbow formed from one side of the mountain to the other!!! We literally passed through the rainbow-arched mountain! What a unique, awesome experience!
And this immediately came to mind: "I am putting my bow in the clouds. It will be the sign of my covenant with the world. Whenever I cover the sky with clouds and the rainbow appears, I will remember my promise to you and to all the animals that a flood will never again destroy all living beings. When the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see and remember the everlasting covenant between me and all living beings on earth. That is the sign of the promise which I am making to all living beings." (Genesis 9:12-17) Amen.
May there be no more destructive typhoons and floods and other disasters in Yolanda afflicted Leyte. May God's rainbow continue to shield the people of Leyte from further disasters. May the sun continue to shine and allow the green crops to grow fully to feed the people of Leyte! May this province continue on its path to reconstruction and be a model of resilience, life, and energy from here on.
Leyte has so much to offer- so much promising possibilities to share. The vast lands, the hills and mountains, if effectively shared and developed- can spell prosperity and sufficiency for the people of Leyte. The guided tour kindly prepared for us by Judge Alan Villar and Fe Villar with Susan Aurora took us to the beautiful sea and mountain resorts that can be further enhanced to benefit more equally all those in Leyte through eco-and-participative tourism. The historical reminders of World War II and the Typhoon can be added livelihood prospects for local and foreign tourists. Local products in various communities, like the native bolo and biscuits of Carigara, can support the residents meet their daily needs.
Local and global partners continue to assist those in Leyte rebuild their houses and their lives. Will genuine agrarian reform and more equality be future prospects as well in this land where dons and senyoras are few compared to the millions of landless, homeless, and jobless?
Like the vast sea and waters throughout the island, the promising possibilities for better lives for all in Leyte are awaiting fulfillment.