With the Sinulog festivities over, now comes the challenge to work harder.
The cold weather caused by the Amihan or northeast monsoon which carries Siberian winds and the first typhoon of the year, Agaton (international name: Lingling) may be portent of things to come.
While Cebu was spared the deluge of rain experienced in eastern and northern Mindanao, an unusual spell of cold weather in Cebu has made its presence felt in unprecedented ways.
For the first time in at least two generations, a state of calamity was declared in Cebu City’s mountain barangays because of prolonged chilly winds.
In the province, the mountains in central Cebu, crisscrossed by the Transcentral Highway have been soaked by rain and are giving way to some landslides, notably in Gaas, Balamban town.
While lab tests and livestock experts still have to verify whether the reported deaths and ilness of cattle in the uplands is due to the cold, extensive crop damage has been confirmed.
Lives, agriculture and other properties are in clear and present danger with this inclement weather that is expected to last till mid February.
It is good to note that authorities are vigilant and acting fast to mitigate whatever impact this kind of weather brings.
The task of preparing, for stocking up on resilience does not rest with the government alone. Citizens, households do need to improve resilience to extreme weather and natural events that comes with Climate Change.
Our experience this month adds to the urgent task of government and communities to build better after last year’s supertyphoon Yolanda and Oct. 15’s 7.2-magnitude earthquake. We have to be better prepared.
Systems and resources have been mobilized for the urgent task of rebuilding better.
Cebu, aside from being hit by disasters, plays an additional role as hub and service provider for communities that fared worse in Eastern Visayas.
It’s true: That which does not destroy us, only makes us stronger.
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