More than a month after Super Typhoon Yolanda and 4 days
before Christmas, thousands of residents in Eastern Visayas are still homeless,
uncertain whether they would be able to enjoy the holiday season.
Yolanda left behind thousands of people dead and untold suffering
among millions of others, not to mention destroyed crops, trees, electric power
lines and communication systems, as well as basic infrastructure like roads,
bridges and school buildings. The extent of destruction Yolanda inflicted on
the nation is unparalled.
Aside from laying waste practically most of
the Visayas, Yolanda stole the most celebrated holiday season of the
Filipinos—Christmas. The typhoon struck suddenly, and saddeningly, at a
time when the happy and festive Christmas mood was beginning to fill the
atmosphere. When it hit the Philippines, Christmas carols were already being
played, in the broadcast media, at malls and in every store selling items
associated with Christmastime.
It will be very hard for those who lost relative(s) and doubly
difficult for children to understand the situation. Yolanda came like a thief
and robbed Christmas from them. Material things habitually around during the
season are drastically absent and even the churches where they could turn to
and express their dismay to the Creator are mostly destroyed. Not even the national
stablishment could help them. There is only the solidarity from all over that
comes in abundance.
After all, the true meaning
of Christmas is not found in material things. The true spirit of the season is
in the heart. Let’s not allow Yolanda to deprive us of the joys of Christmas.
Goodwill and concern for fellow human beings cannot be forever lost in the
people. Merry Christmas!
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