The only viable solution to climate change

Typhoons “Kristine,” “Leon,” “Marce,” “Nika.” Now, “Ofel” is threatening. “Pepito” is looming in the horizon. All within a month. Totally unprecedented in Philippine history, to my recollection.

Geographically, the Philippines sits wide open facing the Pacific Ocean, the biggest ocean in the world that creates the most number of tropical cyclones/typhoons at 20 to 30 per year. The Philippines is often a direct hit and acts like a “shield” to protect the rest of Southeast Asian (SEA) countries. What an unenviable position. Like a “stormcatcher.” A clear undue disadvantage compared to the rest of SEA countries. It lags behind some of the these countries, economy-wise.

To put the situation in perspective: The Philippines is often stuck in a vicious cycle of “budget/build/rebuild.” Compared to other SEA countries, budget on “rebuild” isn’t probably, or only very minimal, in their plan. The Philippines needs bigger budget, thus, resorts to borrow money.

Rebuild money should’ve been allocated to “build” (if not for calamities) to fund more projects and government programs to move the country forward. The popularly rumored “corruption” associated with government projects is inevitable during build/rebuild stages. Thus, a double whammy.

With geographical location a constant and climate change here to stay, the only variable factor that’s controllable is the government. Now, perhaps, the only viable “solution” left is—more prayers.

Jerome Escobedo,

Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu