BLESSINGS AND TRAGEDY

The fearful forecast about the supertyphoon slamming right into the heart of the metropolis did not materialize. At the last minute, typhoon "Reming" (international codename: "Durian") veered away from its projected path and instead moved towards the Mindoro island as it made its way towards the direction of the South China Sea. For a moment yesterday, the whole Metro Manila was in a state of jittered and anxious anticipation. At its strongest, the typhoon was estimated to carry a maximum sustained wind of 180 to 220 kilometers per hour. Such strong wind could easily rip away the roof of houses, uproot trees and could even twist and topple some metal structures like the bill boards found along EDSA. And without any effective mountain barrier to slow down its movement, it was certain to hit Metro Manila with full force and intensity.

Fortunately, the dreaded scenario did not transpire. "Reming" shifted gear and spared Metro Manila of devastation. Save for the cloudy skies, some winds and isolated rainshowers, the city generally had a calm weather. It did not experience any of the much-dreaded effects of the typhoon.

The elation of being spared the brunt of the typhoon could not, however, equal the shock and grief I felt upon seeing on television the havoc and destruction wrought by "Reming" in the Bicol region. It was reported that around three barangays in Daraga lying at the foot of the Mayon Volcano were hit with mudslide triggered by the heavy rainfall. Many houses were buried, killing their occupants. The latest count has put the number of casualties to around 130 people.

Aside from the dead, the typhoon has also left in its wake ruined agricultural fields. Without a doubt, this shall economically dislocate for many months to come most of the families in the affected areas, who are primarily dependent on agriculture for their source of livelihood.

To those of us in Metro Manila, who have experienced a tremendous miracle, we should not forget to share our blessing to our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the Bicol Region. Let us come to their aid as they seek to rise and begin to rebuild their lives. Let us coordinate and get in touch with bona fide organizations where we could channel our modest donations either in money or in kind. This is the time to stand up and be counted!