Gesmundo urges Pinoys to be vessels of compassion this Christmas, in the wake of 'Odette' destruction
MANILA, Philippines — Amid massive destruction and loss wrought by Typhoon Odette, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo called on Filipinos celebrating Christmas and to become instruments of charity and compassion for our fellowmen gravely affected by the killer storm.
“On behalf of my fellow Justices and the entire Judiciary, I join the Filipino nation in celebrating Christmas with hope, faith and love,” Gesmundo said in his Christmas message posted on Friday.
The chief justice said that the Christmas season is when communities celebrate blessings and rejoice in the promise of hope that comes with the birth of Jesus Christmas.
But for this year’s celebration, Gesmundo called on Filipinos to “pray for mindfulness and sensitivity to the fragility of our circumstances,” as millions of our countrymen struggle to recover from the ravages of Typhoon Odette.
“The continuing uncertainties of the current pandemic coupled with the recent devastation brought about by Typhoon Odette have had a disruptive impact on our lives. These challenges and trials, however only put into focus our resilience, benevolence, and solidarity as a people, and as a Nation,” he said.
The latest report from the country’s disaster risk agency showed that Odette affected more than 3.38 million individuals. The death toll also reached 326, with 661 reported as injured and 58 still missing, a week after the typhoon struck.
The destructive typhoon also flattened tens of thousands of houses and incurred combined losses in agriculture and infrastructure of P6 billion. As of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s report, 124 towns and cities are left without electricity.
“While Christmas is truly a time for great joy and thanksgiving, it is also a time for compassion and empathy. May those of us who are fortunate enough to be with our loved ones spare more than a thought for those who are alone, lost, and abandoned,” Gesmundo said.
“While we remain hopeful for better times and steer toward a brighter horizon, let us reflect beyond the merriment, and strive to become vessels of selflessness and charity,” the chief justice also said.
The Supreme Court has earlier said Justices decided to turn off Christmas lights in courts nationwide and in their official residences in Baguio City until electricity has been restored in Odette-hit areas.
Aid has also been readied for affected Judiciary personnel, while justices have also made donations to help in relief efforts.
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