While we are still battling against COVID 19 and its variants, news of war is looming in the horizon. It seems that the next government shall be dealing with the gargantuan tasks of reviving our sick economy, restoring the jobs lost due to the pandemic, improving the plight of the poor, giving quality education to the young, fighting insurgency, keeping abreast with digital technology and healing the wounds created by this divisive political exercise.
As articulated by presidentiables in all the televised fora and debates, nobody wants war but what if the conflict between Ukraine and Russia escalates into a world war? Are we ready to defend our territory? Do we have enough supply of food and water to feed more than a hundred million people while the war is going on? Do we still have places to hide like what our ancestors did during World War II? Do we have enough medicines for the children and the elderlies who are sick? Scary, isn’t it?
My mother who is living in California, USA, is scared not for herself because she is already ninety years old, but for us her children, because she knew the pain and agony one has to endure during war – lack of food, potable water, medicines and safe place to stay. She reminded us to be cautious all the time because we shall never know when the armed conflict shall start. She pointed out that our beloved San Pablo City was bombed on the eve of December 24, 1942 when the people were fast asleep. It was horrifying, she recounted.
Well, I believe our Armed Forces and their Commander-in-Chief are aware of what’s going on in Ukraine and they must have already prepared a course of action in case the conflict escalates. As a matter of fact, the government has already repatriated some OFWs and has talked to the neighboring countries of Ukraine to accommodate and keep safe those who wanted to stay. What we have to do now is storm the gate of heaven to stop any impending war and to keep us alive and safe.
At this point in time, let us be prepared for any untoward incident that might arise. Check on the basic necessities that will be needed like food, fuel, maintenance medicines, candles and matches. We may not be bombed and ruined as in the last war but for sure, the prices of prime commodities shall rise steeply to the point that the poorest of the poor cannot afford to buy anymore. So, what will happen? They will not just sit back, relax and wait for manna to fall from heaven like what God did to the Israelites when they fled from Egypt. For sure, there will be anarchy in some parts of the country.
Lawlessness and violence are grim scenarios that we do not want to happen. But news and speculation about it should not simply be ignored but taken with a grain of salt. We have a lot of things to do to ensure that we can handle and overcome any gray situation that may arise. The rich may not have any problem with their daily sustenance and they can even fly to other countries for safety but the poor have to work extra hard to make both ends meet. The complacent ones I heard will just cross the bridge when they get there. For me, better prepared than sorry.
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
