If Only...

By Pres. Chita Heap

I arrived in the Philippines on November 9, 2013 after my five months stay in the UK and was met by a sad scenario of total devastation. I was stranded in Manila for two nights but it was not bad there so when I communicated with my friends in various places around the world, I initially informed them that our area was not badly affected. Little did I know that some families were living under waiting sheds, together with their children, in conditions that were far from ideal. Many were without food and were also cold and sick. I had promised myself to take a week off from my commitments in Kalibo upon my arrival in order to take a well deserved rest, but this was not to be.  The moment I landed at Kalibo International Airport, I saw the remnants of the destruction Typhoon Yolanda had left behind and it was not until a few days later when I began visiting other areas that I discovered the full extent of the misery that followed in the wake of the typhoon.   

What disturbed me the most was being informed that Kalibo would not receive any help from some of the newly elected provincial officials of the province who had failed to secure a majority vote during the  recent election.  It is sad that on an occasion such as this, politics should take precedence over the urgent needs of the people.

As I continue to observe the ongoing situation, I began to suspect that what I had heard was indeed true, since   many people around me had yet to receive aid despite the fact that a large quantity of relief goods had already arrived in our town. Upon visiting the ABL Complex  I saw the pile of sacks full of relief goods supposedly intended for our people. The building was full of relief goods with DSWD  stamped upon the sacks.

Whilst this war between greedy and dispassionate politicians was still ongoing, a story of a twelve year old boy who was living in America with his mother Ninfa Sarabia and who had seen the devastation on the news had come to my attention.  Ms. Dehly Sarabia Diangson, a new member of Kool Earth informed me about this young boy’s message and a spark of hope lifted my heart.

Zachary Sarabia Fernandez, requested that his mother send his $200 savings to the people of Kalibo so that he could help to buy building materials for those who had lost their homes. He was saddened by the fact that his savings were not enough to help everyone who was in need of assistance but he could only give what he had. This twelve year old boy is intelligent, loving and compassionate.

Touched by her son’s generosity, and feeling too the need to help her people, Mrs. Ninfa Sarabia also donated $500.

ZachRay Sarabia Fenandez with his Mom Nimfa Sarabia.

If only those who are committed to serving the people possessed but a fraction of this young boy’s compassion, our people would not suffer for long. I only wish that the politicians for whom our town voted, will have their hearts open and become more aware of the dilemma being currently endured by our people. Is this not the reason why they seek to be where they are now, in order to be able to serve our people?  Some of these leaders might be living in comfort now but I know that at the end of the day, it is a clear conscience that will provide the most comfort. 

What is it that really counts?  Is it the acquirement of possessions, or is it the compassion we feel towards our fellow men?   If only ..

Hayain and Heart - Grateful recipients of Zachs donation

Despite all the pain and suffering visited upon us by this calamity, some of our people still managed to find compassion within their hearts and to rise above this adversity. Their selfless actions have generated commendation from foreign guests who came to help as well as others resident abroad.  One guest expressed that, “Filipinos are like coconut trees because they sway  with the wind and endure whatever hardships  befall them.  Filipinos are resilient and as such are an inspiration to one and all.

Disasters such as Typhoon Yolanda bring out the best but also the worst in people. Those who have been instrumental in assisting others in need are truly worthy of our praise. Many of these I considered to be heroes in their own right. Those who have put politics and their own self interest above the needs of our people deserve only our contempt. People such as these deserve to burn in hell!