Love in the time of Christmas

Just this weekend, another typhoon ravaged Eastern Visayas. Social media has been flooded with photos of the damage in the different provinces and areas. As of this writing, more than 20 have been reported to be dead and the same number as missing. The scenarios are quite similar to that of typhoon Yolanda -damaged houses, toppled down trees, destroyed bridges, and a lot more.

The Biliranons have been crying out for water and food. Authorities are now on the ground to check what else they need and how they can address this immediately. The stories from Yolanda suddenly became very real to me once more. I didn't think it was déjà vu, maybe just a repetition of the events on a small scale level. Only that this time, we are more prepared, and could respond differently to the situation. More than 6,000 individuals are in evacuation centers today. We hope they won't have to spend their Christmas in the same area as well.

Just like the time of Yolanda, help has started to pour in left and right, from different agencies of the government to the private sector. They are all pooling in what they have just so they can give to those in need. For me, this is true love for one another. Instead of enjoying the many bonuses that we have for this season, it wouldn't hurt to give a bit of them away so others may also have a smile on their face for the season.

Our counterpart in Tacloban has cancelled their Christmas party not only to respond to the call of duty in the time of the typhoon but to also be sensitive to others. We do not know that there are a lot who will be homeless by the time 2018 rolls in. Others may not have their personal belongings with them, and those who have lost lives are the most devastated. Not that we will sacrifice what has already been slated, but extending a hand to others will also be meaningful for Christmas.

For me, I don't like so many gifts for Christmas that I may not be able to use every day. It would be more appreciated if we can give love in the purest form -having concern for one another and our fellowmen especially those who need us at this time. This will be the test of how resilient we will be. If we managed to get over a super typhoon, this damage would be just an icing on the cake for Filipinos who have never failed to show the world their sincerity. We can do what we can in the smallest way we can and to the extremes. At the end of the day, it is the intent and the thought that counts. Remember, love makes the world go round.