An uncertain holiday season

Things have been difficult in general this year and the hits seem to just keep on coming. From the rising cost of goods and services to the never-ending problems with public transportation to the issues our poor rice farmers have to face, it seems that this holiday season may not be as merry and bright for everyone.

And to add to the growing list of sad stories, last week we all heard the terrible news that a fire had razed the beloved holiday destination Star City. The photos went viral immediately online and everyone saw how the once full and thriving attraction was roughly 90 percent gutted and filled with ash.

Unfortunately this means that the future is uncertain for over 500 employees and staff that relied on Star City and the upcoming busy holiday season for their livelihood. Many workers have expressed their dismay at the loss of their jobs and the uncertainty of whether or not they will have work for the holidays.

It was very sad seeing these workers looking through the wreckage of the amusement park with worried looks on their faces. After all, in the Philippines despite the fact that Christmas is joyful and everyone looks forward to time spent with families and loved ones, it also puts a lot of pressure on the family breadwinners to earn enough to have a nice Christmas dinner and a few presents if possible.

Now, workers of Star City are wondering what their holiday is going to look like. Many of them work administrative jobs and are in a “no work, no pay” situation struggling to find a way to make ends meet until the amusement park opens again – something that doesn’t look like it’s going to do for at least six months.

Thankfully, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is expected to offer P5.5 million in emergency employment assistance to the displaced workers. The aid will be extended over two months and is being given following the recommendation of the Bureau of Local Employment. Funding will fall under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) Program.

This is the same program that caters to displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers that need help. In the past it was used to help employees that were affected by the closure of Boracay, those who were affected when Mayon Volcano erupted in 2018, and those who were displaced by the mall fire in NCCC.

Still, even with the assistance, the future is looking pretty bleak for employees of Star City. The investigation on the blaze is still ongoing, but now there is news that arson may have been the cause of the fire. Star City owners and supporters maintain that arson was not the cause and even say that there were no financial motives as the park was doing well and they were anticipating the coming of the busy Christmas season.

Honestly, I was surprised they released the arson theory before the investigation has been completed. That seems like an announcement that they should have reserved for after they had looked at all the evidence. As it stands, officials are going to be requesting the financial documents of the park and the tenants to see if there is anyone in particular with potential motive to cause the fire.

We’ll have to wait for the official findings. For now, I hope that the employees find a way to support themselves until the park reopens. And I hope that happens soon because so many Filipinos love going to Star City with their family and friends.

*      *      *

I once read that you know the world is in trouble when children act like leaders and leaders act like children. Ironically, that time is now. Our world’s leaders are acting like a bunch of children, squabbling over the smallest things, and building walls instead of working together.

Meanwhile, while all of this is happening, the children are stepping up and letting their voices be heard. I was exceptionally impressed by young Greta Thunberg who has taken it upon herself to stand up for the environment and go toe-to-toe with some of the most powerful leaders in the world.

Her impassioned speech at the United Nations condemned world leaders for their inaction leading to the current climate crisis. And she held no punches – she doesn’t want pity or apologies, she wants action. And she’s an inspiration to everyone that knows the time is now to make important changes to help protect our environment before it’s too late.

I’m happy to see that the youth care for that happens to the world. We shouldn’t let them fight this fight alone. We all need to work together if we want to leave a world to future generations.