Natural disasters,
no matter how devastating they can be, can never break a determined
spirit.
Typhoon Pablo left
our affected countrymen devastated. Their lives have been permanently
damaged with their spirits seemingly broken. With a total of 344,030
families directly struck by the destructive power of typhoon Pablo,
hundreds of lives have been lost and more have been declared missing
and are yet to be found. Clearly, this disaster is one of the most
devastating natural calamities in recent history.
Though the number
of affected is disturbing, the aforementioned is only a portion of a
bigger story. Typhoon Pablo and the damage that it has done is simply unfathomable.
It has been
several days since typhoon Pablo left the Philippines. The
destruction has ended. The restlessness brought by turbulent times
have finally ceased. However, the tranquility that has emerged after
Pablo's departure has left us with a clearer picture. We can now see
the uncertain future that our countrymen have to face in their lives
hereafter.
After a period of
sheer devastation comes a period of rebuilding.
The Philippine Red
Cross, through the leadership of Chairman Richard J. Gordon led the
relief efforts aimed at alleviating the lives of the Filipinos struck
by typhoon Pablo. The Philippine Red Cross, along with its staff and
volunteers have worked endlessly to provide humanitarian assistance
to those who are in dire need. It is without question that these
individuals are determined in being of service to their fellow
countrymen.
In the affected
places such as Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, it is important
to give credit to the volunteers who have worked continuously and
passionately for they themselves are victims of typhoon Pablo. They
too have lost their homes, livelihood and loved ones. Yet, in their
intense desire to serve and push forward the humanitarian cause, they
have chosen to set aside their own well-being to be of service to
their fellow men. Evidently, it should go without saying that these
people are the embodiment of volunteerism. That their actions are
clear manifestations of the indomitable spirit of the Filipino. That
even though they have gone through terrible experiences, they chose
to display the resiliency that is distinctly attributed to the
Filipino.
The Philippine Red
Cross, along with its staff and volunteers, through the leadership of
Chairman Richard J. Gordon, have displayed the unwavering spirit of
the Filipino volunteer.
As we face
tremendous hardship, let us be united in uplifting the lives of our
countrymen as rebuild ourselves in preparation for a brighter future.
To donate, visit
www.redcross.com.ph
