The Sept. 19 issue of the Inquirer reported that the death toll from Typhoon “Ompong” has risen to 74 and damage to crops has climbed to P14 billion.
Up to 40 people are still feared to have been buried in the landslide in Itogon, Benguet.
This has been the most powerful storm to hit the Philippines this year, and it has been widely reported in international media.
In major disasters such as this, international donors, private and government, have historically been the first to announce that financial and material aid are on their way.
I was dismayed when I read that Secretary Sonny Dominguez was quoted to have said that he was considering tapping the World Bank for a $500-million loan to help restitute the damage left by Ompong.
Where are the international donors? Have they turned sour on the Philippines? Have we become Asia’s leper?
When a country, world leader or international personality is insulted by no less than the Philippine president, will they turn a blind eye and continue with their generous ways?
I wish I will be proven wrong. I wish donations will pour in.
DIONISIO GIL JR., dionisio.gil@gmail.com