Headlines in newspapers and radio/television newscast here in the Philippines and cable news channels abroad like CNN, FOX, AL JAZEERA and BBC were all about varied news about the route taken by the Hurricane IRENE in the United States and the Typhoon "MINA" (international name Nanmadol). With the unprecedented destruction wrought by Hurricane KATRINA in 2005 on New Orleans, the approaching IRENE was met with widespread trepidation by residents of New York and its environs projected as lying along the hurricane's path. It was understandable considering that the last time said areas experienced such horrifying weather disturbance was reportedly in 1938, which was a considerable length of time past. Nevertheless, the affected areas will recover in due time knowing the resiliency and tremendous capability of the American government and people as proven in past calamities.
On the other hand, it's vastly different in the case of the Philippines where the government is financially hard pressed to provide immediate assistance in terms of relief goods and restoration of public roads and other vital infrastructures. The monumental rapacity of the unlamented Arroyo regime had reportedly dissipated approximately 3 trillion pesos due to widespread corruption and numerous thievery perpetrated by its cronies and minions ensconced in the top echelons and down to the bottom of the previous administration. Imagine the lost funds that could have made easier the restoration of public services and infrastructures destroyed by MINA.
Still, there's no use in crying over spilt milk but to move on and concentrate the important task on hand which is the immediate rehabilitation of the people's lives, means of living and public facilities affected adversely by the typhoon. But, what makes the job easier for the government despite its scarcity of funds will be the ever dependable and world famous Filipino trait of "Bayanihan" that always offer its helping hands during times of crisis hereabout and anywhere abroad.
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