Hindi na natuto. We never learn.

Every year, Filipinos die because of typhoons. Yet, we ignore the lessons we have learned from these weather disturbances.

Sometime in 2000, I wrote the Senate president and speaker of the House of Representatives suggesting the construction of permanent and strong evacuation centers where people can take shelter before a typhoon (which can be forecast) hits their respective communities. These centers should have a ready supply of food and should be equipped with generators. Each center should have an assigned team of doctors who should report there during and/or after typhoons. The members of Congress and the president of the Philippines should give their pork barrel for one year to build these centers. I made this suggestion in 2000, but nothing has happened until now.

Malaysia spent $500 million to construct an efficient drainage system. Here in the Philippines, our leaders are busy stealing our money. Hindi na talaga natuto. Maybe the people in Luzon deserve the devastation wrought by ?Ondoy? and ?Pepeng.?

?V. EMMANUEL C. FONTANILLA,
3/F Gonzales Bldg., Pioneer Avenue,
General Santos City