El Nino phenomenon hits Philippines. Drought ravages lumad (indigenous peoples) farms. Lumad farmers ask help from government. Government provides assistance to farmers. Farmers no longer hungry. Farmers plant for next year’s harvest. Farmers harvest rice. Everybody eats. They live happily ever after. End of story.
Except it didn’t exactly happen that way.
As I recall, the Catholic Holy Week is a time of remembrance, contemplation and joy at the re-birth of a messiah who will save the world from inequality, injustice and destruction. I used to imagine fire, hail and brimstone raining down on all sinners who did not ask for forgiveness.
I have a very bright and inquisitive 16-year old nephew. He plans to graduate from high school two years from now (he was supposed to finish high school this year, but the new K12 program caught up with him), take a science-related course or music (he still hasn’t decided), and then take on the world with a relish only people his age have. I smile as I imagine what he can become.
And then I grieve. Not for my nephew. He has it practically made, lucky him.
Nakita ko ang karatulang ito sa paglalakad-lakad ko kanina sa campus ng University of the Philippines Diliman. Hindi ako magaling magsulat, sabi ko sa sarili ko, pero susubukin ko para lang masagot ang nakapaskil na karatulang ito.
a life on fire 