BY: DONALD SEVILLA ARTICLE
LESSONS LEARNED
We sympathize with our next door neighbor Cebu who bore the brunt of TINO’S fury, not so much for its howling winds but for the floodwaters caused by its heavy downpour.
Cebu is the center of rapid urban development in the Visayas that it has altered its natural environment and waterways to make way for progress.
The aggregate failures of past administrations and leadership to adopt sustainable environmental safeguards have resulted in the devastation we now see today.
Flooding is everywhere from north to south. Hills and mountainsides have been flattened to build homes. Having less of a forest cover has exacerbated flooding in the lowlands.
We reap what we sow. Our lack of discipline in garbage disposal and waste management and utter disregard for the environment in favor of progress and development all make a recipe for disaster.
Aggravated by corruption, reflected in the substandard flood control projects that do not serve its purpose, we have brought this upon ourselves.
May TINO serve as a wakeup call for us to change our ways, a reminder to reflect on the many things we have done wrong.
Our prayers go out to the people of Cebu.They have suffered enough from the earthquake and now, TINO.
May the people of Bohol also learn their lessons well and not be complacent.
Despite our adversities, we must all be thankful for God”s grace for another chance at life!