Rehabilitation and its benefits

Political will has proven that when things need to get cleaned up, it can be done. Such was the case of Boracay and the administration’s efforts to transform it into what it was once upon a time.

When I look back at my childhood days, I will always remember the times when my family and I spent summer vacations in places that today look so far from what it used to be. This truly saddens me as it is a real reflection of our love for country.

Many, or if not, most of us,  are still frantic about the new norm. Things are indeed changing and the way we go about our daily routine will never be the same until such time we find a solution to this pandemic.

I can’t help but reflect however on the good changes which have been as a result, ironic as it may be, a positive outcome in trying times. We’ve seen clearer skies, better hygiene practices, less garbage and to a certain extent , a “slow down” that is helping all of us appreciate quality of life.

I have asked friends in provinces what it is like for them in this new normal and many of them have told me that they have never seen their provinces cleaner just as they remember it to be in their childhood.

People are shifting interests and are getting more involved in agriculture, and awareness on clean and healthy environment is pushing many to become more active in preserving our natural resources.

People seem to be going back to the good old days where life was so much simpler and inclusivity is becoming more apparent. Hearing such stories is so refreshing and it helps us refocus our energies into better development. I speak of development in the midst of crisis as this is certainly the next step.

We need to find solutions to fuel our economy and consider going back to basics just like the days of our childhood.

While technology plays a big role and much of our activities are happening online, it is also very important to look back to our foundations at a stage wherein rebuilding will force us to be more creative and take better initiative.

Just like everyone else, I am still in discovery mode, but stories of simplicity and relearning the basics is a new venture for almost everyone. There is a silver lining after all in times of hardship – at most this is my thinking. Although we seem to be weening ourselves from our “former lives,” I would like to think that a clean up is necessary in forging forward and beating the threats which have confronted us in the past few months.

It’s time to reboot and sometimes, and I must admit, it can cause us to get anxious, but since many of us are forced to slow down, it’s time that we use this to our advantage and pick up from a time that was interrupted by speed.