Utter insensitivity to ‘Yolanda’ survivors

As a survivor of Supertyphoon “Yolanda,” I would like to express my utmost disgust at a partisan political activity held on Nov. 7 by a local party-list representative, at a time when fellow survivors were preparing to pay tribute to their loved ones who perished in 2013 (“Hugpong strikes alliance with Eastern Visayas party,” 11/8/18).

Clearly, the event was nothing more than to advance certain political interests.

Adding insult to injury, the event’s masterminds inveigled the daughter of the President to “grace” it with her presence, and some senatorial aspirants readily grabbed the opportunity to exploit the occasion for selfish
political ends.

As a retired public school teacher, I hate to say that I can’t help but express deep disappointment with the political leaders who organized the event.

Two Tacloban City ordinances had declared the week prior to Nov. 8 and Nov. 8 itself as “Climate Change Week” and “Day of Gratitude and Remembrance,” respectively.

A day of remembering the lives lost, and gratitude for the outpouring of selfless and unstinting love and generosity the country and the world rained on the Yolanda survivors.

The brazen display of partisanship marred these solemn occasions. Held with unrestrained political fanfare a day before the anniversary of a killer supertyphoon, the event betrayed not only utter insensitivity, but also the abject lack of respect for the people of Eastern Visayas by the organizers and current political leadership.

Taclobanons, the people of Leyte and Samar and, not least, the Yolanda survivors and victims, rightfully deserve respect, and sensible, sensitive and honorable leaders.

JESUS GARIANDO JR.,
San Jose, Tacloban City