The Filipino in the Face of Calamity

Hi guys,

Over the last few days, we’ve seen many unfortunate things happen to the country. The flooding and landslides have changed and continue to change millions of lives… but in the midst of this calamity, in a nation with morally bankrupt leaders, we find a people who help without asking anything in return, who donate their time, energy, and what little they can spare, to alleviate grief and loss of those affected the most. Watching and being a part of Bayanihan in action is an overwhelming feeling that cannot be put into words but I will try anyway.

… in the midst of this calamity, in a nation with morally bankrupt leaders, we find a people who help without asking anything in return…

Noy and I were in Bukidnon when the rains started. As soon as we heard what was going on though, we rushed to Manila. After seeing the devastation Ondoy caused, reducing parts of the metropolis to small urban ponds, we decided to do the only thing we could: help those who suffered, those who lost, and those who grieved. Warm food, water, and clothes were no longer just idle items in the back of our closets. These were critical necessities to those affected by the unrelenting tide of wind, rain, and floods. I asked my friends and family to help. I asked my staff to help. I asked you to help. This was no order from a public officer. This was a plea made to those capable of contributing the little things they could: canned goods, bottled water, rice, spare clothes, and noodles. Small, maybe even insignificant, commodities to many of us were now items of survival to those reduced to poverty overnight.

This was no order from a public officer. This was a plea made to those capable of contributing the little things they could…

With the help of thousands of volunteers, young and old like you, with donations coming from both rich and poor alike, we were able to provide these critical necessities to those needing them the most. Watching the Filipino spirit kick in, in this time of grief and desperation has moved me, our countrymen, and even the global community. I saw a twitter photo the other day which captured everything with the words, “Where I’m from, everyone’s a hero.” One only needs to read and hear the stories in the last few days to know this to be true. This may be one of the worst tragedies our nation has experienced in recent years but it’s also testament to our capacity as a people. I am very proud to call myself a Filipino.

Thank you for volunteering, for donating.

In behalf of those we serve, thank you.
M.

P.S. We are now trying to gather support for our countrymen in the north. Please contribute or volunteer if you can.