Over the past two weeks, we have experienced a continuous rainy season, much to the anticipation of El Niño warnings. While the rains are generally welcomed, considering the ongoing water rationing in Metro Manila, we must also acknowledge the potential consequences of excessive rainfall. Our dams are at risk of overflowing if the rain persists for a few more weeks. This leaves us with a difficult choice between the extreme heat and drought of El Niño or the storms, floods, and resulting damage. It appears that our once tropical paradise is slowly fading away, and areas that were once thought to be typhoon-proof are now vulnerable like the traditional typhoon-prone provinces. It is disheartening to realize that we haven’t invested enough in mitigating the effects of our worst weather patterns, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. Instead, our rapid property development and irresponsible land use have made us more susceptible to natural calamities. As a result, we suffer greatly in both hot and dry conditions, as well as during rainfall, even without the presence of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions – though it must be acknowledged that not all of us face these challenges, only the majority. The few fortunate individuals who have enough resources for future generations have taken measures to protect themselves from heat, typhoons and floods. Yet, in all of this, the issue of food remains a pressing concern. The unpredictable swings in weather patterns directly impact our ability to grow food, and subsequently lead to rising food prices. This, in turn, fuels the greed of hoarders and smugglers, exacerbating the issue. While talking about the macro situation, we must also acknowledge the micro experiences of families who are regularly visited by hunger and malnutrition. This is not a political statement, but rather a human observation. Regardless of who they voted for, hunger and scarcity affect individuals regardless of political affiliations. However, the consequences of these calamities are vastly different depending on one’s financial position. It is unfortunate, but true, that those who suffer the most are those who have the least – as the poor and non-rich significantly outnumber millionaires and billionaires. At this point, blaming individuals for these circumstances is counterproductive. We already know who is to blame – those in power and wealth. Yet, the victims also bear a fraction of the blame due to their lack of awareness and inability to mobilize their collective strength. Until the weight of suffering becomes too heavy to bear, the desire for change and justice will not be fully realized. However, even if the majority of Filipinos become more demanding, power and wealth will not simply cave in. Historically, revolutions have seldom succeeded, and suffering can persist for centuries before victims find the vision and leadership to challenge the status quo and achieve victory. Similarly, those in power and possession of great wealth are usually reluctant to embrace reform and change. They will resist for as long as possible and only yield reluctantly and slowly. While there is a possibility of meaningful change initiated by members of the ruling class, history suggests that the chances of success are slim and will take time. Unfortunately, time equates to pain for those who suffer. Therefore, it is crucial that we actively seek solutions and look for a silver lining amidst our hardships. This begins with identifying the root causes of our fears and suffering. For most Filipinos, the underlying cause is not solely the scarcity of resources, but rather the lack of capacity to produce the basic necessities of life. By increasing our ability to produce what we need, we can mitigate the effects of scarcity. This does not only pertain to growing food but also expanding our capability to produce essential goods and services, starting from the simplest ones. In a community context, this often involves bartering our products and services to reduce our dependence on money. If we fail to take action in producing our needs, we will be forced to ask, beg, and ultimately submit to those who have power and wealth. There are no shortcuts for most individuals; success is achieved through deliberate, intelligent, and hard work.
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