Many stories, even letters, have been written about soldiers and policemen at the forefront of rescue efforts during calamities and tragedies. They tirelessly work together with other volunteers who also risk their lives to help others, even if they are themselves among the victims.
There would never be enough “thank yous” for these brave men and women who, aside from the risks and dangers they face, experience as well some forms of humiliation from angry, dazed victims. Still, as if impervious to all these problems, they keep on. In fact, they take the risk, humiliation and all other “setbacks” as challenges.
What happened to this year’s “August floods” tested once again our soldiers and policemen’s commitment to help the victims of the deadly monsoon rains. Many of them will always be remembered with eternal gratitude by those they helped to escape the raging floodwaters, for saving them, for giving them food and even just for their comforting words.
They say that what happened united us all. But do we need to experience devastation to be united? Perhaps not, for we Filipinos may differ in other things, but what is most distinguishing is that we really care for each other.
To the countless, nameless policemen, soldiers, volunteers, students, mothers, fathrs, journalists, children who continue to help in the effort, the nation’s “most heartfelt and warmest” thanks. We are so lucky you are around when we need you.
—ROSIEBETH B. CANDAO,
rosiebethcandao@yahoo.com.ph