Rolly

Another strong typhoon hit the country over the weekend. Some say it was similar to typhoon Ruping that hit the country during the early ‘90s. Here in Cebu, I didn't feel the urgency of the intense typhoon. It is much more different today than the way it used to be.

Back then there were a lot of radio and TV options that had a wide reach. Now that the government has shut down one media entity, the numbness and apathy has taken me over. The feeling of being unknown to what is happening is real. It could not just be me, but many others.

Most, if not all, my students have been telling me that history is repeating itself. The clampdown on a media giant is likened to the lessons then. I didn't expect it to be real this way when a calamity would hit the Philippines. Add to that a president who is missing in these trying times. Why though?

After Yolanda, I thought we have learned our lesson in disaster preparedness. It was basic knowledge to convene for a strong storm and position goods that would aid those who would lose their homes. Apparently, photo opportunities after a damaging situation look good rather than meetings on a long table. The extent of Rolly's damage couldn't be measured by now but I don't feel anything at all. It could be just a psychological glitch but let's be real - there is little to no effect to most of us now.

I could imagine calls for help and everyone being busy repacking goods for those affected. Now the vice president is on her feet doing her own survey and looking for ways on what can be done. It is the same kind of intensity we had then, more maybe even less or more but it’s the same response that we get. I bet, even maybe worse. We are in a middle of a pandemic and what else do we expect but a working government.

It is disappointing and frustrating at the same time. No matter how hard we try to glorify what they have done, it will never be the same. The damage has been done and we will never forget how there is less of an urgency by an administration to its people. It is sad because we expected too much, sad because we get only this.

The next days will be a challenge as we navigate through what will happen next. Areas that were badly hit will have to rebuild themselves again from scratch and I don't know what is going to happen next. All I know is we need to help one another, in whatever way we can, with or without a big media entity.