The Philippines is a tropical country. Filipinos are used to sunny days as well as rainy ones. Some may enjoy the rain but most of us don't. F or those who enjoy it, rain is the source of life; filling dams and nurturing agricultural lands. However, when torrential rains cause flooding, it is a great reason to dislike it.
What the Philippines experienced this week is a nightmare specially to Manileños and Caviteños whose lives were pestered by excessive rainfall. National Capital Region, Cavite and some parts of Laguna became instant water pool after Monsoon rain struck the Western portion of Luzon. Somehow, I can't help but think that the tropical climate contributes, if not the cause, to the ugliness of the country. Just the other night, I was watching "That Winter The Wind Blows" and saw how houses in South Korea are all built in bricks while in the Philippines people can settle in a "barong barong" without any architectural design and practically made simply as a shelter.
In the same way, urban planning in Metro Manila lacks systematic discipline. Structures are built practically just to have establishments to boast. Contractors disregard other requisites for beautification and usefulness of edifices. We cannot go on every year repacking donations for flood victims. There has to be an action from the government and urban planning community to prevent the clogging of our drainage structures. In a democratic government, the safety of the citizens more than anything else is paramount.
This circumstance only vindicated my perpetual stance on charter change. There is a clamor for the reformation of our government; from polity-presidential to a federal form of government. Now I am certain that a federal from of government will address this issue. Strengthening all regions of the nation so as to de-congest Metro Manila. There might be a huge chance that those who migrated to NCR will return to the provinces when job opportunities in rural areas are plenty.When Metro Manila becomes underpopulated, renovations can take place immediately.
It breaks our hearts to see celebrities on rooftop of the houses or stars riding the MRT because roads are turned into pools. For two days I've been texting and calling friends in manila just to know if they are safe. And it is not good. While it really is savory to spend time talking to relatives and friends on the phone, the situation is not conducive to a reunion. You rather have overtime classes than stay at home for a holiday knowing that your countrymen are suffering.
The Lord has been truly thoughtful when He sent me home last Saturday sparing me from the horror of deep city. Still, there are people whose only home is in Manila and Cavite, now they are calling evacuation centers as temporary homes...
And all these should never again happen in the future.
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