PAGPUKAW

 Who would ever thought that it would only take minutes before we all realize what we have done to our home? Who would ever realize that the earth has to shed its tears before we can finally pay attention to all that we have been doing? Who would ever know that it would only take one night for humanity to change its outlook about nature?

            The very recent “Sendong experience” that occurred here in Cagayan is considered one of the most deadliest and tragic disasters in Philippine History. With thousands of lives and properties lost, everyone felt the wrath of Mother Nature. Many have blamed the government officials who have never foreseen the tragedy and have not been very responsive of the warnings given by PAGASA. Others have blamed the mining and logging industries that have recklessly cut down trees and excavated our mountains. Some have blamed the hardheadedness of people who lived in the areas by the river, while many have questioned the integrity of our regional environmental departments. But unfortunately, only few among us have had the humility to accept that he was part of the problem.

            If there was something good in what had happened to Cagayan de Oro on the 16th of December 2011, maybe it was when everyone became conscious of this urgent need to look into our environment. After what had happened, people started looking into the factors that may have contributed to Sendong. And yes, we realized that what was natural was reinforced by anthropogenic activities – by our own acts towards the environment. True to its nature, it is very easy to blame others…but we find it very difficult to swallow our own pride so that we may accept our own mistakes.

            We have failed to see that the plastic wrappers that we do not throw properly when accumulated may block the drainage systems. We forgot that trees help in absorbing water during heavy rains. We did not remember that whenever we recycle, we lessen the garbage that we throw in our dumpsites. We were wasting our environment not thinking that the future generations whom we shall share this earth are the ones who will sacrifice due to our being carefree. We have forgotten our obligation to the earth, because in the first place, we have forgotten that we are all connected.

            As I look into the faces of the affected children, I see innocence and fear…and I feel sorry. They do not know what is truly happening and they have no idea of the kind of earth that they shall inherit. There is fear, fear of the unknown – a fear towards something that they cannot grasp.

            Our eyes may have opened when the rushing waters came and it may have washed away our selfish beliefs. But it’s just so sad that we have to lose not just our homes but a thousand lives and thousands of dreams before we realize that we have to do something. It’s sad to know that for us to wake up from our apathy, and for us to realize that innate goodness and authentic concern for the earth, Sendong has to happen.

            The disaster brought by Sendong will pass, but may we never forget what had happened…because what will kill us is not another storm or another raging water. The greatest disaster will happen when we forget the things that Sendong taught us - when we leave behind what has happened and think of it as nothing but a bad dream. 

LAE 4/28/12