Whether in times of disaster or not,
it is always best to be prepared than be sorry. Well, what do we
prepare for in life? Quizzes, exams, recitations, recitals, contests, missions,
first communion, speech, or life itself; life after school, life after
marriage, or simply anything right? It depends on our priorities, aspirations,
hopes, dreams, and so much more.
We also prepare for our daily
undertakings or upcoming events. For an instance, we prepare for coming storms
or typhoons, or worse super typhoons. Speaking of which, it brings me back the
memories of the unforgettable happenings that took place few days ago and the
tragic episode almost a year back then. Who can forget last year's incident on
December 16-17, 2011 when typhoon Sendong struck Cagayan de
Oro City and Iligan City and other various places?
Who'd have thought that a signal number
two storm could make that much damage not only to properties but to the lives
of people as well? Whether it was only signal number two or higher, it only
speaks of one thing: we lacked PREPARATION, we were not prepared. Death came
like a thief in the night, only the thieves were prepared and the victims lie
dead and helpless after their attack.
Now let us not dwell on the damage that
has been made, it has already been done and no matter what, "what's done
is done" and we can never bring things back again. That incident taught us
many lessons, lessons that were learned the hard way. Let's ponder on what
Steven Cyros (Vice President and COO of FTF Technologies, Inc., a leader in the
Disaster Preparedness Products, MRE’s, Canned Butter, Canned Cheese and other
Shelf Stable Foods market) once said: Remember; when disaster strikes, the time to prepare
has passed.
Let us compare what
had happened last December 4, 2012, when super typhoon Pablo struck Cagayan de Oro, from what had happened last
year when Sendong hit our city. We can see that now we're better off
by far than from last year's experience. We did the right thing this
time. Although Pablo was of signal number three in our area, we
have recorded zero casualties after the storm. It was an achievement for us for
the record but more to that; it was a prize of being prepared ahead of time.
Many lives were spared and though some were still greatly affected, at least
they still have something to celebrate this Christmas, LIFE.
I for one have prepared enough for Pablo's coming. Together with my family, we took the
necessary steps to safety. Like I’ve said earlier it’s better to be
prepared than be sorry and I’d always keep in mind my scouting’s motto “Laging
Handa” - once a scout, always a scout. During the moment we encountered Pablo,
we still manage to have a peaceful sleep. Funny but we know to ourselves we’re
ready and whatever happens we already have a plan for safety and that we’re
good to go. As said in the bible “If ye are prepared ye
shall not fear.” (Doctrine
& Covenants 38:30)
We just hoped for the best but prepared for the worst.
Thank God our prayers never gone unanswered and He blessed us with His grace
and mercy.
 |
| A new day, a new life, a new hope He's given us. Keep moving forward. =) |
-kevinwyethacera (^~,)
Image sources:
