Unity and solidarity amidst the crisis

Alvin S. Vital

BEFORE the coronavirus disrupted our lives and changed the way we do things normally, we had been so caught up in our own little worlds that we were caught unaware that we were already in a pandemic.

Now, we have to deal with the changes before us. We have to make do with what we have at the moment, with very little choice. We have to adapt to this very difficult situation for the sake of our families.

Before the health crisis struck, we really did not see our families and neighbors as much as we wanted to. Because we are in a community quarantine and are not allowed to go out unless necessary, we spend a lot of time with them now – and get to see our neighbors every day.

It’s feels good that the government, as well as kindhearted civilians, are stepping up through various efforts to help other people in need.

Because of this virus, strangers are helping strangers – taking care of one another in a way nobody ever expected.

Just through Facebook, we see many people giving relief goods in the form or rice and canned goods to people who they don’t really know, or neighbors they do not really mingle with.

As a society, we need to be resilient to be able to cope up with changes in the ways we live and work. During this difficult time, we should show everyone that there should be love and compassion.

So in this pandemic, to show unity and strength, we should look after ourselves and our families, as well as our neighbors, especially the elderly.

Let’s try to reach out to people in self isolation by sending them messages, funny memes, or GIFs. Better yet, call them and see how they are.

A lot of us have volunteered our time to do what other people cannot, like the “pasabuy”, or picking up stuff and delivering them – while taking precautions, of course.

Some have also conducted fundraising in the community for people financially impacted by quarantine measures. Also, we can share acts of kindness within the community, like people giving free rides to health workers, people donating face masks and PPEs, people donating food to frontliners, etc.

A simple act during this difficult time goes a long way.

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The author is Administrative Assistant III at Dela Paz Libutad High School