ALL OF A SUDDEN

Typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and other natural calamities have tested Filipino’s “resiliency”. Until 2020 came, we again fight for survival. Suddenly the skies are grey, laughs turned to cries, sirens became music. We’re vying a monster with no weapons; COVID-19.

I have never imagined facing a pandemic. I have never questioned the ability of SciTech. The power of this virus made all of these possible.  Covid-19 tests today’s science and technology advancements. This gave me a realization if experts struggle, what can I even do. I only hold on to the Filipino spirit.

I cannot deny the fact that a lot of our countrymen have failed to survive, it’s heartbreaking. I see children starving, wanting to eat so much. Farmers cry over their fields. Parents battling to have a source of income. We all struggled with the new normal. We all want this to end.

               Despite being bombarded with news reports on the increasing number of cases in the Philippines, behind it I see the determination of Filipinos. I remember an old man being interviewed and his eyes shouting hope. With his age, he faced a lot already, and for him to possess this kind of charisma, I know we’ll survive. A lot of us struggled to prevent ourselves from inhabiting the virus. But with Filipino’s way of thinking, we stand with “Kung gusto maraming paraan, kung ayaw maraming dahilan.” I see people utilizing what they have just to have a face mask. A lot have lost their jobs, but most have adopted new tactics to have income. A lot of families are far from each other, but still, we acknowledged “Kung uuwi ako, baka mahawa pa ang aking pamilya kung mahagip ko ang virus.” These simply emphasize how flexible we Filipinos are.

                I want to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, cure the sick, but I know I am not capable yet. With this pandemic, I know the most I can do is to keep my faith, to pray, and believe in Him. My simple act of staying at home I know can greatly impact already. I can use social media to serve as my platform to voice out. I believe how powerful the voices of the youth are, we just need to be heard.

                We will heal. We will listen to laughs again. Everything will be back to normal. We simply need to do our part. We’re just being tested; one day we’ll all wake up and this would just be a dream, soon.

 Photo Credit:

https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/food-safety-and-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19, accessed 11/24/20

https://media.ifrc.org/ifrc/2020/06/02/pictures-covid-19-supporting-healthcare-philippines/, 
accessed 11/24/20

https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2020/06/15/170747/for-new-normal-local-bus-firm-to-upgrade-business-class-with-toilet-bath-facilities/, 
accessed 11/24/20