Let’s face it. With the kind of devastation Supertyphoon “Yolanda” wreaked, it was understandable that the delivery of relief goods would be delayed. This could be expected in the first few days because of difficulties in transporting the goods. But to the thousands, or even millions, of hungry mouths, that was hard to understand.
Still the bayanihan spirit was—still is—quite evident with everybody wanting to help, and it seems the delivery of relief goods to the victims has become more efficient. Help is on the way, we have to assure our fellow Filipinos in those hard-hit places.
But it is not only food, water and shelter they need. They also need psychological support and assurance that there is hope for the coming days.
The victims should not wallow in despair and just accept doles. They have to find ways to help themselves and we, who are fortunate to be spared from the massive destruction, must help. We Filipinos are very willing in every way we can.
We thank the United States, Japan and other foreign countries for their support and assistance. It also feels good to know that former enemies in the last world war, the United States and Japan are helping out in Tacloban and nearby provinces, and working side by side. We Filipinos appreciate what they are all doing for the victims.
—HENRIETTA S. CABILE,
henrietta_cabile@yahoo.com