The frequency with which the Philippines is hit by natural disasters should have taught us precious lessons on desirable and unacceptable behavior at a time of national emergency. Apparently, we are still learning.
For example, calling on people to provide help in any form should always be welcome, especially if they are done without focus on any personality and if the donations are coursed through legitimate organizations. Transparency should be observed every step of the way, with total amounts gathered and spent accounted for.
Invoking privacy and confidentiality in the use of other people’s money should never be tolerated in any form.
The use of social media to amplify calls for help is a good way to use technology, especially now that money can change hands easily through electronic transfers.
But using this same technology to deceive others and profit from the wave of bayanihan spirit is deplorable. It is incumbent upon those who wish to help to ensure that the sites are legitimate and the organizations trustworthy – lest their good intentions go to waste.
Framing relief and rehabilitation efforts as a competition is also counterproductive at this point. Just take note of who is doing the work and who is not – and let that knowledge guide us when deciding whom to vote for in the coming elections. For now, let us park politics in favor of the greater need to make the suffering of others bearable.
Deliberately marring the reputation of others by dragging their name in shady activities is likewise reprehensible. How some people could diabolically engage in such activities instead of helping others is a mystery.
Finally, that thing called “resilience.”
Resilience is a good thing if it is pursued actively and deliberately, and through the use of empirical evidence and careful planning. It is a positive trait when geared toward the future, imaging oneself less susceptible to external challenges and volatility, and being better able to withstand challenges. It is, however, wrong to equate resilience to fatalism, or to the pitiful state of tolerating anything passively as if one did not have a choice.
We always do.
As we commiserate with those whose lives were upended by Kristine, we also acknowledge that there will be more disasters to come. Let us not allow our response to these be disastrous as well.
