The United Nation’s recent recognition of the Philippine government’s “prompt response” in helping the victims of Tropical Storm “Sendong” is a piece of good news for us Filipinos. In the past, government has been criticized for its seeming lack of preparedness to respond to unforeseen calamities. These days, we are reaping praises. And this is really something, coming from no less than the UN. In part, this can be attributed to the government soldiers, policemen and thousands of volunteers whose commitment, dedication and perseverance made a lot of difference in the relief, rescue and rehabilitation operations in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan right after the storm.
“There were many support groups who wanted to help,” UN official Margareta Wahlstrom said, adding that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had commended the Philippine government for a job well done.
We Filipinos should congratulate ourselves for the exceptional “Bayanihan spirit” we showed in helping the unfortunate victims of Sendong.
Calamities and tragedies may come, but we are sure that we are better prepared. We have set a good example of how we can be of help during and following disasters, for other countries to follow.
—MELA S. QUE,
cuemela@yahoo.com