No calm after the storm

What Samuel Richardson said, that “Calamity is the test of integrity,” rings true now more than ever. When Typhoon “Opong” hit Masbate, it was more than just a storm—it was a test of every politician’s character. How they responded in its aftermath revealed their true motives for serving in public office.

However, subsequent disaster relief efforts revealed a sad, unspoken truth: many of those holding office were unprepared and, worse, thin-skinned. When affected residents criticized their poor preparations and responses, instead of showing humility or fixing their mistakes, many officials took offense. When residents voiced their frustration and called out their glaring incompetence, they resorted to conduct unbecoming of public officials—berating complainants on social media and threatening those who spoke up, to name a few.

Can they really blame these typhoon-affected people? Resources weren’t used properly, evacuation plans were poorly executed, if there was even one, and worse, some barangay or municipal disaster risk reduction and management committees/councils did not even convene. Most of the local government’s calamity budget was not released or used on time, leaving communities helpless. The people have every right, a duty even, to call out the insecure, inept, and self-serving nature of politicians who prioritize their own ego and image, who would pose only for photo ops, at the expense of the citizens they swore to protect.

A true public servant should see a disaster and the people’s anger as a call to act with courage and compassion. They should take responsibility and focus on helping people recover. The fake ones, however, are exposed in times of crisis.

Typhoon Opong made it clear to the people of Masbate who was genuine and who was not. At least, I hope so.