The devastating flash flood that hit the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in the Southern Philippines recently was a catastrophe waiting to happen.

We almost always blame mother nature for the havoc inflicted on our poor kababayans, the heart and soul of the Philippines’ existence. These are often the victims of human intervention of our natural resources by the keepers and protectors of the country’s environment.

Photo courtesy: Sandy Fetalvero

When the last life lost is fully accounted for and given a decent burial; when the last container-load of international aid has finally arrived, the last meal served in one of the makeshift shelters and the evacuees provided a safer place to stay, the work of rehabilitation starts. It means the start to rebuild the lives of those who lost everything – for some, their loved ones too.

Those donations given by an international community that has been quick to respond to this kind of disaster relief outpouring – clothing, food and miscellaneous items are in abundance – will be consumed soon.

The survivors can not replace the lost mementos, memorabilia, or the warmth of the house that once was a home to a family. And they need to replenish their hearts and souls with the loving care of their kababayans, including expatriates likes us here in Australia.

Material things can be replaced as time passes, albeit it would take some time before the survivors can go back to some normality in their daily lives and start living again. But things of the human spirit will take time to mend. And we should be there to help.

A familiar saying in the Bible is that ”we are our brothers keepers”. Whatever hurts our brothers also hurts us. We can, in our own humble way, alleviate the pain and suffering by giving survivors something to look forward to. Those of us who can must continue to recognise the acute need for reconstruction works for our kababayans in those flood-stricken areas of Mindanao. Not just for the short term but for the long haul.

For a start, some of us in here Australia could sponsor a family. Or if the funds allowed, sponsor a village. It would not cost us much if we banded together. We could appeal to the business community for our cause. And we need to do it now.

The famous statesman Sir Winston Churchill once remarked: ”We make a living by what we get; we make life by what we give.”

Keep on sending to the Sendong flood appeal. Until it hurts.

Other post/s by Emma de Vera

• A reunion of values in the community - June 19th, 2011