Counting our blessings

LAST year, Pangasinan has been largely spared from major calamities while other towns and cities in regions had to suffer extensive damages and destruction to their communities.

Pangasinan’s farmers enjoyed bumper harvests of rice, onions, mangoes in 2019. Sure, we had our share of minor inconveniences from intermittent heavy rainfall but nothing more serious. We were blessed.

However, it is during these comfortable times when our local governments should be reminded not to become complacent, to be lax in protecting our surroundings and environment and instead take time to imbibe and learn how to mitigate difficult situations from the experiences of other provinces.

While we cannot predict nor control when natural calamities can occur in the province, the worst can happen is to see our situation aggravated by our communities’ indifference and abuses when we were comfortable.

Every Pangasinense must take it upon himself/herself to police the protection of our surroundings and environment, never leaving it to others to protect and preserve our communities’ gains for a safe and comfortable life.

If we don’t act collectively and consistently, and instead continue to keep our “puede na, saka na, hindi muna” mindset, “sa huli ang pagsisisi” will inevitably happen to us, with or without calamities.

Taal’s wake up call

IT is sad enough that movement aka life itself has practically stood still in at least 12 towns and cities of Batangas as a result of the devastating Taal Volcano eruption on January 12.  But sadder still is the fact that there was not enough update from volcano officials that might have warned hapless residents of the impending explosion that left a wide swatch of destruction.  Already, there are more than 50,000 persons evacuated from some 15,000 families hit by the calamity.   With officials declaring a 14-kilometer danger zone, easily affected are 500,000-plus persons.  Alas, there are only 198 evacuation centers available.  A huge wake-up call. 

Reacting swiftly to this shocking reality, President Duterte ordered the immediate construction of a massive evacuation complex on top of his financial, food and clothing support to the victims.  Heartwarming help and response amid adversity and virtual helplessness.  Inspiring.

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments