Philippines always tops in natural disasters - ROSES AND THORNS by Alejandro R. Roces

At this time, we have two major natural disasters to contend with —the eruption of Mayon Volcano and the disasters caused by typhoon Feria international code name, Utor. (Incidentally, we think it is high time that our Weather Bureau gives up the practice of giving typhoons a local name. Why can’t we use its international code name like the rest of the world? It just causes confusion.)

Undoubtedly, the Philippines has to annually cope with more natural disasters than any other country in the world. Every year we are regularly struck by several typhoons which destroy not only our plantations but cause other disasters such as floods and landslides. The worst volcanic eruption the last century was that of Mount Pinatubo. Now Baguio is totally isolated – the four major roads to Baguio are impassable because of landslides. And so in Baguio, there is no electricity and the city is running out of basic necessities like gasoline. We not only have a rainy season. We also have a typhoon season. Farmers need the rain, but dread the typhoons.

In the Mayon area, the people have had to abandon their homes and flee to evacuation centers. Now, they have to contend, not only with the lava flow that is being aggravated by the rains, but also with the floods caused by the rains.

Coping with natural disasters is part of our way of life. Today, there is a strong move to abolish Reserve Officers’ Training Course (ROTC). We would like to suggest a less drastic solution. Why don’t they make ROTC optional? Those who wish to avail themselves of a military training can be made to take training on how a community can prepare itself for natural disaster or courses on the preservation and enhancement of our environment. That would be a more realistic approach.

Our Armed Forces was organized to protect us from external aggression. Since the end of World War II, there has been no threat on that score. We believe that typhoons, volcanic eruptions, floods, earthquakes and fires are greater and more regular threats. Our college graduates should get some training on how they can be of service to their communities when such disasters come.

There is a positive side to calamity. Undergoing great calamities gives us opportunity to truly see and know ourselves and our friends. These are hard times for all. But we must do what we all can do for the victims of Mayon and Typhoon Utor, local name Feria.