[EDITORIALS]A helping hand or two

There are waves of tears and sighs in the aftermath of Typhoon Rusa, which tore across the country over the weekend. There are those who lost family and loved ones abruptly and others who have been driven from their homes. Farmers saw their year's work and livelihood vanish right before their eyes just days away from harvest; their tears are those of exhaustion and disbelief. Others have no access to drinking water, and some young mothers have nothing to feed their babies.

What the people affected by the storm and the flood need more than anything else is the courage to rise from their time of despair. They need to be able to overcome the pain of today in order to have hope for tomorrow. And it is our role, those of us who were spared and left safe, to give them that strength.

What is most difficult for those affected is a sense of being neglected by society. Everywhere they look there is desperate reality, and it is only through the interest and love we give them that they can escape that hopeless reality.

Those of us who have the time and energy may become physically involved in volunteer work to help with rescue and recovery efforts in the affected areas. Those who are not capable of that can participate through other means, such as the donation drives held by the media and other organizations. If even this is not feasible, a short letter consoling those who lost everything and encouraging them to get back on their feet would do.

Throughout June, we surprised the world and ourselves with our ability to unite and root for a soccer team. It is time to show that the fervent passion of the Red Devils is still in us. We need to play our parts to help heal the wounds of the flood victims and prove that our strength in coming together is not just in joy but also for sharing pain.