Have the Storms Washed Away Our Empathy?
On the night of September 2, a storm of reports and rumors left parents and students alike in uncertainty about the fate of the next school day. As Tropical Storm Enteng (or Yagi internationally) raged above, confusion swept through MGC New Life Christian Academy parents’ group chats as announcements from the Presidential Communications Office and Local Government Units constantly changed on whether or not private schools were included in those affected by class suspensions. The atmosphere quickly shifted to frustration, with one question on everyone’s mind: Was school canceled or not? By the end of the night, everyone found solace as it was announced that classes were suspended at all levels, including private schools. But, while this storm had been a mere inconvenience for us students and parents, for many others, it did much more than be a thorn in their side—it devastated lives.
It was disheartening to witness the stark contrast in reactions. While some celebrated the unexpected holiday, millions grappled with the storm's aftermath. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Department of Agriculture reported that the damages caused by Enteng exceeded P1 billion, resulting in the loss of thousands of homes and livelihoods. These figures are a stark reminder of the unequal burden that natural disasters place on our society. For those of us in the safety of our homes, a canceled school day might feel like a victory, as if our extra day should come at the expense of the devastation experienced by others.
In times like these, our privileged status becomes evident. After all, our homes are made of durable concrete, we have a driver to bring us around without the hassle of getting wet, and we don’t have to worry about those suffering around us. Living without these worries and struggles disconnects us from the harsh realities of the world; thus, it becomes easy to wish for another typhoon. By centering our worldview only on ourselves, we think only about what pleases us—maybe a few more hours of sleep or the chance to skip a boring lecture. But for many Filipinos, storms like Enteng are not just temporary disruptions; they are life-altering disasters. Wishing for another typhoon, even jokingly, shows insensitivity to the suffering of others and disregards how, while we all experience the same storm, we are all on different boats.
It’s crucial to remember that the effects of a storm are not uniform. While some may enjoy a day off, others are left homeless or worse. Instead of wishing for more storms and class suspensions, we should view these moments as opportunities for collective reflection and action. Rather than constantly checking news websites for #WalangPasok, we should pray in solidarity for the victims of storms. These disasters should prompt us to practice empathy, gratitude, and a commitment to helping those in need.
We are privileged enough to live comfortably and safely, but we should not let this act as a barrier that separates us from others. Our status allows us to extend empathy and support to those whose lives have been upended by storms like Enteng and the many others that came before it. Small actions, like contributing to donation drives or volunteering in your local community, can make a significant difference in others’ lives. As student leaders, we can also organize outreach programs that give back to affected communities. Ultimately, we must consider the broader impact of these disasters beyond our bubble, recognizing that while we are shielded, countless others are left to pick up the pieces.
