After seeing what to expect, then, we can prepare.

This is the key to whatever we want to achieve in life. We prepare for the best things to come. And more is needed in preparation for the worst things to come.

Like athletes, they take so much time and effort preparing themselves for the big “storm” on their competition. They train so much to keep to enhance their agility, strength and knowledge about their opponent. And they also take time to train themselves on how to endure the long excruciating fights. No wonder, the boxers who spend more time on these things, are the same boxers who most likely to win the fight. Because part of winning the game is expecting to counter the downhills of the game.

As leaders, we need to learn how to prepare our “athletes” before they go into the fight.

Point #3: DELEGATION

Lastly, I like to point out the essence of delegation.

I think, this is a key ingredient in every success of any system… and especially in countering the “worst”.

I don’t know if the people in the national government are too selfish to take “ownership” of the responsibilities or is it our system of government that makes it so centralized to the national government (it’s like asking which comes first, the chicken or the egg).

Anyway, regardless of which come first (for those who don’t know), I believe, many of our leaders should value delegation, teamwork and interdependence.

#1: Our government should encourage and support having small groups in each city / town (especially baranggay) as an emergency team. This team should be properly trained and have facilities (adequate, if not complete).

These sub-groups will act as the first response team of the community. They will act as a group to remind people of disaster preparedness, and also the immediate people to call to in the time of actual rescue.

If these sub-groups are not sufficient enough, then nearby sub-groups (not affected) can help. handle the rescue operation, then, and only then, the national level of aiding can give help.

#2: Even Clark Kent or Superman can’t save everybody in an instance. In essence, we don’t have any real-life heroes with superhuman capabilities. And this is why delegation is needed. If our leaders are secure enough and mature enough not to take the “credit” of being the “heroes” at the of disaster, then, I’m sure they will decentralized all the responsibilities to sub-groups.

I don’t know if it’s our society, time or culture that promotes more for the “MAN OF THE HOUR” thing concept.

That as individuals, we try to carry all the load in our shoulders so later on, we can take credit for everything we have endured for.

In reality, we can only do so much independently, more things can be done if we work together, simultaneously.

Even history shows that all successful organizations (eg. business, nation) showed teamwork, interdependence and true leadership.

And true leadership is ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO BE LEADERS themselves.

If our leaders would only look into the things I earlier mentioned, we can immediately reap the following benefits:

Aid can be given the soonest possible time
Survivors can “recover” faster
Victims will be lessen

Also:

This promotes being active and responsible citizens of the community
People will have more trust in their government (both the people and the system)
Our national government can focus more on bigger issues

These are the concerns I appeal (and I believe, majority of Filipinos) to the leaders regarding this matter. If not taken immediately, I’m afraid for the more properties and lives that might get affected (if not lost) by inaction. It’s not too late to take the necessary steps.

However, I believe there are three main things we need to look into, for us to prevent this tragedy to happen again. But first, let me present some facts.

Fact #1: Our country is not a “typhoon-free” country. Studies show that our country is expected to have more than 20 typhoons per year.

Fact #2: Natural calamities are part of living on earth. As long as we live, we will experience these kinds of disasters, one way or another.

Fact #3: We always have a CHOICE… the choice to do what is right.

I believe as leaders, we may not be able to “fully” grasp the gravity of natural disasters (or any disaster for that matter), but, we can always EXPECT for these kinds of things to happen. From there, we can plan ahead to cover whatever possible circumstances there is to come. We may not be able to fully counter disasters, but we don’t aggrevate it as well by being unprepared.

As part of our choices, I submit to the leaders of our society three ideas that can somehow help better our society in facing the best and worst of times.

Point #1: EXPECTING THE WORST

I’m not promoting paranoia…

We must see the reality of life as it is. It’s not everyday that it’s asunny day. Neither it is everyday a rainy day. There are seasons in our lives. Even ants know this. And in every season we must expect the worst, in order for us to prepare.

Like the famous saying goes: Hope for the best… but expect the worst (or something like that).

This is not being paranoid or anything to that effect, this is what I call countering the punches even before they are blown.

A leader has to have a vision in how he/she should lead his/her people. A leader should not only cast their visions on what’s good for his/her people, but also should envision the “what-ifs” scenarios of reality. That way the leader, together with the people can prepare for the best and the worst.

*credit goes to the original poster of photos and videos