Golden Opportunities, Gone Opportunities

These sort of times opens opportunities. More than a month ago, we were all washed out by typhoon Kristine. Even weeks after, I would still come across friends with whom I would talk about how the flood rose above regular human height, tossed all the furniture around, and turned all important documents to useless jelly. More than a month later, some parts of downtown still reek of muddy flood water.

Flood water left ruined materials, furniture, clothing, and the need to recover them all. It is admirable that government agencies, government officials, organizations, communities and individuals rise to the occasion to ease the burden of fallen fellow countrymen, and donate materials for their recovery. Beyond the food packs, distribution of aid has continued. A group of friends pulled together some cash to buy doxycycline for leptospirosis, since in many areas, wading in the flood had been inevitable. Some Filipino expatriates donated reams of bond paper. Some religious organizations donated books to replenish those which have been soaked and muddied. Some socio-civic organizations have taken the route of donating school supplies to children. Some government officials have decided to donate construction materials for house repairs. Some people in Camarines Sur who were less affected by Kristine even have organized to donate assistance to typhoon victims in Catanduanes when Pepito ravaged them. The typhoons have opened opportunities of the spirit of sacrificial giving from individuals, communities and organizations in whatever way to offer help to typhoon and flood victims. This stream of sensitivity of support has become a spring of refreshing that satisfies the soul in the middle of a swampy sludge.

The aftermath of this string of storms has also opened opportunities in some other ways. It has opened opportunities for political plans and ambitions. As they say, strike the iron whilst it’s hot; or in this case, jump on the slide while it’s wet. Last week, I found myself in JMR Coliseum. As per instructions, we would claim cash payout from DSWD, supposedly as aid for having been struck with storms. Of course, we’re grateful for the help. Before we could get inside, we were told by colleagues that there would be a program before the actual payout. I thought to myself, “What is the program for?”. At the moment of getting inside, the loud speakers had been repetitively playing this tune which I should admit was really catchy. Initially, I could not put a finger on it. Is this a Bini song? Is this a K-pop song? Then, the program started. The emcee called in the mayor like a boxing announcer would call Manny Pacquiao to the ring. The mayor spoke with all praises for this personality. A congressman was called and spoke, also with praises for this same personality. Another congressman was called and did the same. Then, the supposed guest of honor came onstage to do his speech. Then, I finally got the lines to the song that they keep playing. It’s a political jingle with his name on it. The only thing that was missing was the position that he would run for. (I have to say that jingle is really catchy. If I could, I would suggest that he organize a dance contest to that song. That would be a big hit.) They didn’t tell me that we were walking into a political campaign. Is he going for the senate? One of the guys who spoke said that he’s intelligent , and that he could be a president of the Philippines. Was he giving us some winking hints there? I know of candidates who hold relief pack distributions in barangay covered courts for political purposes. But this one is a totally higher level. The distribution went on for days and even extended from the morning to the next morning, hours after midnight.

For whatever purpose, the relief packs and the cash assistance would be a big help for the recipients. At least, despite political motives, people are able to get the assistance they need, in kind and in cash. It would be quite difficult not to shade on that blank circle on their names on the ballot come election time.

We can’t say much of the same with how opportunities have been squandered by the Vice President. She has to have some counselling on how to market herself to the electorate. Although, it would take a lot to undo what she has done lately, unless her supporters would rally behind her no matter what. Of course, she has had plans for higher positions, or the only higher position left for her. Why would she publish a book with her face on it for national circulation? That’s clearly a pre-campaign stunt. The President and Vice President breakup has become a soap opera of sorts, with golden opportunities becoming gone opportunities. Let’s see how it all unfolds.

““…make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace,…” Colossians 4:5-6