Hope For Humanity: A Life Worth Living

2013 was probably the worst disaster that hit the Philippines, my beloved country. The day when the most destructive typhoon killed thousands of lives and families left homeless. November 8, 2013, was a nightmare to consider. Several lives were lost instantly, and many people suffered from post-traumatic stress. They were helpless, didn't know what to do, and felt abandoned and neglected. It killed innocent lives, the hopes and dreams of many people, families living simple lives, and those who have just started building their lives. It was all gone due to a significant impact caused by Typhoon Yolanda, internationally known as Haiyan.

As a disaster-prone country, we've learned to adapt to almost every calamity. We've shown the world the Resilience of The Filipino Spirit, a spirit as strong as titanium yet as gentle as a pearl. We've learned to recover and stand up again despite the miseries we've experienced. We struggle, we cry, we laugh, and we smile. That's the cycle of life we're meant to live. In the Philippines, that's our reality. We are waterproof, no matter what challenges we're facing. We Filipinos are tough, but our souls feel the pain that makes us feel helpless, meaningless, and lacking direction and purpose. We become lost and wanderers in body, mind, and spirit, but we always find our way back.

The destruction of humanity caused by climate change is the greatest challenge of this century. We have caused significant damage to the earth and suffer the consequences; hence, disaster is becoming a regular occurrence, and we must learn how to fight to survive. Yes, we are survivors of this archipelago of stormy seas. Our survival instinct guides our actions to escape from harm and danger. Our bodies may have become weak, but our spirit still has the energy to live. That is Perseverance in Times of Despair, which is what we develop in our character. We became fearless, and we endured all the pain.

As a survivor, I've learned to acknowledge the crucial importance of saving our environment, our nature, and the habitat we live in. We must preserve the forestry that is becoming denuded and create awareness for those who don't care. It's easy to become greedy and busy with the destruction of nature just to gain wealth. But for us, that path leads to suffering. Those who are careless and don't think about the welfare of others are contributing to the destruction of humanity. It's our responsibility to protect our environment and ensure a better future for all.

A simple way of expressing disgust for environmental destruction and supporting the ecological protection drive would mean a lot. I believe there are still better leaders with a voice and influence to beat the destroyers, the environment killers. I give my support to those who care for humanity and the world. There's nothing more worth living than a peaceful and heaven-on-earth experience. When we sleep so deep and wake up with higher hopes and goals to accomplish. When we live in harmony with nature and keep our balance as we progress. There is nothing more in life than to keep everything fair and just.

My previous life experiences have made me stronger and made me think extraordinarily. My Life's Greatest Challenge prepared me for a more significant role in serving humanity through personal transformation and higher consciousness. I've been prepared for disaster preparedness for a possible worst-case scenario. The world is ever-changing and unpredictable. However, we can always foresee events based on current trends. Today, we are Dealing with The Impact of Climate Change. That's our reality, and we are now living in it. We can't stop it, but we can prepare for the worst thing to come to entirely survive. I mean not only on a physical level but also on emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. It's within our power to transform ourselves and positively impact the world. Life is good, and it is worth living to have a negligible influence on others. We can make an impact in our own way based on what we believe is right and for the betterment of other people. Our humanitarian actions will go a long way, creating a ripple of kindness and goodwill to improve the world. Our Heart's Desire: To live a Humanitarian Life Heart's Desire: To live a Humanitarian Life that will influence others to stand up and act for better mankind. We have higher hopes for ourselves, but we are also hoping more for humanity's future. As I remember, service life is a life worth living and well lived -- the humanitarian way.

© 2017 Del Cusay

The Resilience of The Filipino Spirit: Dealing with the Impact of Climate Change

The urgent and pressing environmental issue of climate change is not a distant threat but a current reality that significantly impacts humanity and the world. We are all witnesses to the profound changes in our lives, and we must either adapt or risk becoming victims of circumstances. The looming threat of massive destruction in the coming years and generations is a stark reminder of the urgent need for immediate action.

With the most significant issue of global warming leading to climate change, how can we foresee the future ahead of us? How can we ensure that the next generations will live harmoniously with nature? Is the human race losing the battle and on its way to extinction? We may never know, but one thing for sure is that we now live in uncertainty due to the destructive Power of Nature and the consequence of greediness and negligence for personal gains.

The great debate on climate change started several years ago. It has become a significant issue confronting several nations, especially the Philippines, one of the most disaster-prone countries in Asia and the world. This small archipelago of brave Filipinos has suffered tremendously at some point due to significant natural calamities, including typhoons, landslides, earthquakes, and storm surges that have killed thousands of Filipinos. 

While natural disasters may be inevitable, the resilience of the Filipino spirit has proven to be a powerful force. Our ability to bounce back from adversity, to prepare, and to anticipate more destructive forces is a testament to our strength. We may bend, but we do not break. This resilience is a source of pride and determination for us, showing that we can and will recover, living fully once more. 

The Philippine Government, NGOs, and even private companies and organizations are fulfilling their mandates in response to their environmental duties and contributing to a more livable community. For instance, the government has implemented policies to reduce carbon emissions, NGOs have conducted tree-planting activities, and private companies have invested in sustainable technologies. Media Company Rappler has been a leader in its humanitarian effort concerning the effects of climate change.

The AGOS project, in partnership and coordination with several Government and  Non-Government agencies, is a call to action. It aims to raise awareness among every Filipino that we can do something in our very own simple ways. We can be empowered to send and receive reports about calamities and disaster-related occurrences through social media.

The AGOS project introduced a way of making a difference through a practical and achievable three-way goal: 'Prepare—Respond—Recover.' This approach is applicable before, during, and after a disaster or calamity. 'Prepare' involves creating disaster preparedness plans and conducting drills, 'Respond' focuses on immediate actions during a disaster, and 'Recover' is about rebuilding and restoring normalcy after the disaster. 

The 2-day AGOS Disaster Preparedness event on July 14-15 was a resounding success, showcasing the potential of government and private organizations working together for zero casualties in times of natural disaster. The event featured workshops on disaster preparedness, demonstrations of emergency response techniques, and discussions on the role of different sectors in disaster management. Rappler, in partnership with Humanitarian Organizations, successfully rallied members, followers, and volunteers to devote their time and energy to a humanitarian cause. 

Present at the event is our Philippine Senator, Richard Gordon, who is the Chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross. He shared about the power of volunteerism and what they can achieve to alleviate the suffering and restore the dignity of calamity victims. Senator Loren Legarda also shared about the environmental law she has authored since the early 90s. Her concept of zero waste management, "Reuse - Reduce - Recycle," is her ecological advocacy, teaching people to save our environment from further damage or harm. Other invited speakers talked about their respective offices or agencies' role in minimizing the effect of climate change and our ways of adaptation and survival. 

Together with Maria Ressa, CEO, Rappler

The initiative of Maria Ressa, CEO of  Rappler, and her whole team is truly commendable as they have proven their leadership in disaster management and advocacy for a more resilient community.  Maria's approach to public-private partnership doesn't need a huge budget but to empower Filipino people, especially the younger generations, to become active change agents capable of influencing others to have their commitments to Environmental causes.

The Summit was empowering, inspiring us to have a voice even in digital media. We can actively communicate ideas and solutions that benefit disaster management through social media. The humanitarian drive creates goodwill among its followers and will further influence young people to actively participate in nation-building.

The great thing about being Filipino is that our 'Bayahihan' culture has become digital. Its evolution enables humanitarians and advocates to continue living with a sense of purpose and direction. We have already proven the Resilience of The Filipino Spirit: A Year After Typhoon Yolanda, and unfortunate events may hit us no matter what. Still, we're ready to break the barriers for a smooth sailing journey to recovery.

We join hands together, and our soul-purpose will lead us to uplift the lives of other Filipinos who are lost, misguided, and victims of this sad fate. A resilient spirit will always be unshakable and always create a ripple.                                                                

© 2017 Del Cusay