EDITORIAL - Alive at 85

As funny as this title may sound, there is something to it that seems oddly appropriate given the challenges Cebu City has gone through recently.

First, there is the pandemic to deal with, and we have been living with it for the past two years now. Even today it continues to have an effect on how we live, work, and play.

And then, when it seemed we were about to see the last of our pandemic troubles, last December super typhoon Odette struck, leaving many without water, power, and communications.

For the first time in a long time, Cebu City, which is usually first in coming to the aid of disaster-stricken neighboring towns, cities, and LGUs, found itself the victim.

The younger generation had a taste of what the older city residents experienced after typhoon Ruping hit in November 13, 1990, when power, water, and communications was also down for weeks,

But, of course, Cebuanos found a way to surmount the challenges. They are also experts when it comes to getting back on their feet. So much so that when you look around you now life seems to have gone back to normal.

We can say Cebu City is more than just alive; it is also thriving.

In an earlier editorial also about Cebu City’s Charter Day we explained what made Cebu City special. And we said it was the people, and their openness to new ideas and most especially to other people too, regardless of religion, ethnic background, creed, or political leanings.

Of course, hard work and faith also play a major part in all this. Cebuanos will always forge on ahead, no matter how hard the task, or how desperate the situation seems to be, with the belief that there will be better days ahead, and that his or her efforts will not go unnoticed by the Almighty.

This was what made Cebu City weather the storms, both literal and figurative, that came its way, and what will guarantee its continued survival whatever challenge may come.

We congratulate Cebu City on its 85th charter day. Instead of just saying alive at 85 we can also say we will thrive at 85.