So annoying are politicians who never experienced the storm surge wrought by supertyphoon yolanda would have the temerity to come out in the limelight and hug top stories of mainstream media praising the victims’ resilient spirit amid the catastrophe. The statements were well crafted as if they truly cared for the victims of what was dubbed as the strongest typhoon in human history. Truth is, many of these politicians were far from the vicinity of the supertyphoon, hiding in the safety of their luxurious abode while the people living along the path of the supertyphoon could not leave their homes for lack of capacity to relocate or for the ill-advised decision to cling to their homes and livelihood not having a clear idea of what a storm surge is.
The warning was loud and clear addressed to all and sundry but people did not understand the real danger of the situation. Most people took the warning from their past experience of strong typhoons that hit their place, most bringing strong winds and heavy rains that could be evaded upon its onslaught. Such was the reason why they opted to cling to their residences, trying to protect their homes, belongings and animals which were part of their lives. Some old folks could recall strong typhoons all their lives but nothing was of the magnitude that they are about to be hit in the wee hours of November 8, 2013 exactly a decade ago. The only idea the old folks have in memory are those of tidal waves they learn by radio broadcasts hitting other places.
The hours that strong winds lambasted the homes, peoples and communities in the darkness of dawn was a horrible experience for young and old, including children who were unaware of the risk to their limb and life while in the embrace of their frightened parents. It was a dawn in total cold and darkness and electric power was down even before midnight when the supertyphoon begun pummeling the homes and peoples along its path. The hours that led into the break of daytime were so horrendous that people were caught in high waters as they left their homes, belongings and everything they thought were valuable to them, running to safer grounds or even swimming in uncertain directions just to save their lives.
It took several days of surviving without food or even safe drinking water as deep wells that used to be sources of community drinking water got salinated by sea water that mixed with groundwater. It took several days before relief operations reached the victims. Local governments and non-government organizations that were not affected by the calamity responded to provide food and medicine for the victims. The assistance from church and international non-government organizations focused on relief to recovery until such time that people gained access to markets to buy food.
In the days that followed, assistance were in the form of livelihood and housing. The initial agreements among donors where this writer had the opportunity to be part of the discussions at the provincial and diocesan levels, was to ensure that there is no duplication of assistance. Such policy was followed more on the breach than in the compliance as politicians, chiefly in the municipal and barangay levels, took the assistance as tools for political aggrandizement. They held people in need at their mercy, the livelihood and houses being used as tools for political patronage. Many of the real needy were delisted when identifies as not supporting the political plans of mayor or barangay chairperson. The housing projects of government were below standards as reported by the beneficiaries who are forced to spend more just to make their housing unit livable.
A decade after, politicians are still using the supertyphoon yolanda housing projects as tools for their future political ambitions. Many of those worthy to be granted housing units were deleted from the list of housing beneficiaries for political reasons. Unfortunately, the chosen few who are close to the powers that be, were awarded more than one unit of housing. In some cases, well to do families who have businesses, employment and vehicles, are given priority in the distribution of housing units.
True, the poor and unlucky people who do not have the connection to obtain a housing unit are the real resilient people who survived by their own grit, industry and perseverance to stand the test of time. They survived on their own despite the lack of assistance for livelihood and housing chiefly because of politicians who are thick faced to talk about . . . resilience?
comments to alellema@yahoo.com
No man is an island
Our reliance on other people is something inevitable. This interdependence refers to the mutual reliance, support, and cooperation between individuals that lead to positive interactions and outcomes. The various instances where interdependence manifests itself could shed light on the complex ways in which human beings are interconnected.
In today’s globalized economy, nations rely heavily on each other for the production, trade, and consumption of goods and services. Advanced technology, such as the Internet and transportation systems, has facilitated interdependence between countries. Look at international trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or the European Union (EU), which have strengthened economic interdependence. These agreements encourage the exchange of goods, services, and capital between member countries, resulting in shared prosperity and growth.
Healthcare systems also rely on the collaboration and interaction of many individuals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. We could see the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork and patient-centered care, where various healthcare professionals work together to provide holistic treatment. This interdependence ensures optimal health outcomes and represents the intelligence required to comprehend the complexity of medical systems and the integral role played by different actors within them.
The realm of environmental conservation offers another compelling example. The delicate balance of ecosystems necessitates interconnectedness and mutual support among all species and the environment. There is interdependence between plants, animals, and the environment in sustaining crucial ecological processes. For instance, pollinators, such as bees, and their role in plant reproduction are fundamental for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security.
In the arena of politics and governance, interdependence also plays a key role. The decision-making process within any political system heavily relies on the input and collaboration of citizens, policymakers, and interest groups. We could see and comprehend the significance of democracy and the interdependence between elected officials and the electorate. Public participation, institutions, and policies are essential for sustaining governance that reflects the will and needs of the people.
The world of technology also provides evidence of interdependence in its various forms. The ever-growing reliance on digital platforms and networks highlights the interconnectedness not only between individuals but also between governments, organizations, and industries. We could observe the shared information, cooperative research endeavors, and the interoperability of technology systems in enabling progress and innovation.
The COVID-19 pandemic likewise demonstrates the global interdependence of people. The spread of the virus across borders has emphasized the need for collaboration between countries in managing the crisis. Researchers, medical professionals, and policymakers have been compelled to share data, knowledge, and resources, transcending geographical boundaries and acknowledging the interconnectedness of humanity.
Yes, our reliance on other people pervades various aspects of life. Whether in economics, healthcare, environmental conservation, politics, technology, or addressing global crises, we are all interdependent. This interconnectedness and reliance between individuals, societies, and systems highlight the importance of cooperation and mutual support in shaping a successful and thriving world.