Leadership By Example: President Noynoy's Vision With a Mission

Philippine elections 2010 is over. The people's clamor for genuine change which they voiced out to candidates in their campaign sorties takes form.. A president-elect who is from the opposition emerged the victor. The people spoke through their votes and was heard. The change didn't only necessarily mean change of leaders, it  meant more -  a change in leadership style for good governance. A Senator, an unpopular choice, by the name of Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Cojuangco Aquino, III, is elected President of the Republic of the Philippines.  He is my own choice. Like with the past president I voted in office, I'm hopeful that this time,  change  for the better will prevail and be sustained. Congratulations, Mr. President and Mabuhay!

Is Noynoy, the Messiah? the Pinoy Deliverer?

President Noynoy is the only son of the late president Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino and the late Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. More than two decades of  waiting for a deliverer to  take charge and take control, here finally is one, who,  the agitating populace,  believes can effect genuine change in government.  It is for a fact that  concrete change has long been a growing clamor of a suffering nation,  which started with the late Senator Ninoy, the father,  and passed on to the late President of the Philippines, Cory, the mother. This dream is  finally initially  taking form with much to hope for - in the person of their only son, Noynoy.

I'm not President Noynoy's bootlicker. In fact, like the large margin of ill-informed  people about concerns in government, I had my qualms about how he would move the country into the right perspective, if ever he would be sustained by the seemingly undiminished "Ninoy" and "Cory" magic in the next six years. Given the Filipinos' flare for popularity and their quick way of switching from one celebrity to another, I have my personal reason to doubt. Yes, Noynoy, like his parents, still rides on the celebrity air people accorded them, without probably even thinking why?

But anyway, I joined the lure of this phenomenon of "Aquino Magic". To date, I didn't blog about any of  the presidentiables. But I wrote at most four, including this article- only for Noynoy. I invite you to read them here, if you browse my sidebar. And I have yet to prove to myself, I was not mistaken, choosing among the least of evils, if the tirades each presidentiable received in that raging campaign period were true or false, especially that of  Noynoy.

I'm following his path to what he promised- leadership by example - this  he emphasized as his mission with a vision. I was a bit taken when he  showed his first move which many among his would-be enemies,  criticized. This was when he left his residence at Times Street earlier than scheduled to fetch GMA, the outgoing president,  at Malacanang Palace and- take note- did not use "wang wang" (siren) accorded an important government official such as the president-elect who would in few hours become President of the Republic of the Philippines. Was it just for a show? I hope it wasn't. In the following days, despite the agony of his escorts, for his security reasons,  he did it again. At one time, on his second day after his inauguration, he was late in arriving at his most important function to  be  presented to his constituent soldiers of the land as  Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces of the Philippines because there was heavy traffic and he refused to use the siren that could have put the motorist at a standstill so that he could pass along unhampered. Bravo!

I'm on the look out only for things I understand, like when he stated in his inaugural address, among  a few, his advocacy to make necessary changes in the country's chronic corrupt practices in government offices. "Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap" (If there are no corrupt people (in government), there will be no poor). 

His inaugural celebration was the first ever I observed in all my years as a voter, aching to see and feel what and how the new president will handle the affairs in governance of the people, for the people, and by the people. His ringing affirmation- "You- are my boss!" resonates in all corners of this land. May the peaceful transition of leadership from the now unpopular GMA to the instant celebrity P-Noy, take its shining glory- for a change- real change for the better. I was glued on the television the whole day feeling hopeful. It was a hair-raising, tear-jerking experience of my life. I was vacationing in Manila then and was fully aware of the airplanes and helicopters hovering above our terrace. We are one tricycle ride away from Malacanang Palace and the fireworks and sirens filled the festive mood in the morning air. Was it a day of reckoning? Let's wait and see. Six years may be a long wait, but to waiting, I'm destined to make.

The First Day of Change, Hope, and Unity,  and the Filipino Social Contract

I voted for Noynoy, and was pleased to hear that his inaugural  day was "Unang Araw ng Pagbabago, Pag-asa, at Pagkakaisa" (First Day for  Change, Hope, and Unity). I have to believe in him. But first, I must affirm my support. I raised my right hand just like  all other  civic-minded Filipinos all around the world did- to affirm support to his abstract vision with promised concrete mission. It was the first and innovative agendum that will go down in history- to invite all Filipinos to join in affirming their participation as individuals through the nationwide  "Panata Sa Pagbabago" (Social Contract for Change), together with the highest official of the land- President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Cojuangco Aquino,III. This may be a humbling effort, but it is change in itself.

Barely a month after Filipinos said their oath, the country is backsliding to its wanton ways. The many faces of the  cynic and the die-hard critics are here again. Don't they ever learn their lesson? What pains me is this - the young are still the same- unruly, impolite, misbehaving. I happened to land on the Facebook page for Noynoy and at Yahoo, Philippines, and there- I read pronouncements only the evil-minded can afford to send. They even dare break the privacy of the President texting him of nasty things. If he cuts off this means of communication, he becomes bad. Who says so? But the evil ones themselves. It's time to change- and it must come from us- from within. "Find yourself an appropriate hole to fit in. Refrain from being the destructive square pegs squeezing yourselves in a round hole! Please behave, my children."

An Ailing Education System That Needs Resuscitation Badly - Through Leadership by Example

President Noynoy is introduced this early to a kind of education system he accused of running on flat tires along rough roads. This system no longer needs temporary vulcanizing jobs. It needs complete changing of  tires. May the DEPEd secretary know what he is doing and be not an embarrassment to the president. It's been a long wait, let this wait a promising one.

As an educator, myself, I'm one in saying that our young are schooled but aren't really educated.  To lead by example, is not easy. Once you become a public figure, only half of your person belongs to you- the other half to people you have committed yourself to serve. 

Leadership by example in education is desperately needed. Sadly but it's true- that since the start of the project, Decade for Quality Education in 1990, nothing truly admirable and tangible was ever accomplished along the production of better manpower among our college graduates. The expected good manpower input is a failure, and similarly, results of today's teaching are very disturbing. The teachers'  weakening holding power in the lower stratum, the basic education level in the elementary and secondary schools  is losing many children of school age. A great number of them shy away from school, for various reasons imaginable. They drop out from school before they could even learn knowledgeable skills. A great number of these unfortunate children roam the streets adding problem to the government. And even if these children , particularly the youth, are able to hurdle their education and graduate from their courses, chances are, they join the ranks of the many unemployed. School administrators, and parents watch helplessly as time, money, and effort are wasted in their education.

What's wrong with our educational system? What's wrong with our education authorities manning the system? What's wrong with our school products- the learners?

Everybody seems to be wrong as far as their leadership, management style is concerned. We see our education managers who make selfish use of their prerogatives because they are only practical- not based on well-thought of strategies. The funds used for advancement are wasted away. Some abuse their exercise of authority. There are those who make under-the-table shady deals using their positions. Many appropriate public funds for their personal use because many of their counterparts in high- rise offices are doing it. Others demand emoluments and big cuts from dealers like in purchase of school supplies. Some officials bribe their way into their position, therefore, in service, they take what they think they are rightfully entitled to.

Some cheat the poor teachers of their hard-earned monthly pay for a promised permanent position or promotion in rank or salary grade. These vultures in the annals of education who prey on the helpless teachers even have the nerve to rationalize their wrongful acts  as the dictate of necessities in these hard times. 

There's the  real danger warning us that indeed, leadership by example in our education sector is badly needed. There seems to be gross loss of faith in our proponents of ethics and good behavior in public service by those with little  and are lower in ranks. This eroded trust is probably causing the concomitant eroding interest among our teachers to strive for the best results in teaching. Their seeming hurt leads them to indifference that prevents them from performing at their peak performance, thereby encumbering the positive gains in supposed quality teaching they are committed to. Not even the most brilliant and fool-proof education programs and thrusts can fill this credibility gap that destroys the very core of our education sector.

The cyclical failures in education today simply point to a social decay- the absence or lack of leaders who can command authority with respect, leaders who can easily temper the heat of disunity and realign diverse views to a common good, leaders who can innovate under stagnation, who can mobilize willing and cooperative hands despite inertia, crisis, and chaos - because they set themselves as examples of anything positive and good.

 How Can You and  I Help?

The whole nation  witnessed the recently concluded State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Aquino. It was delivered with forcefulness, by this public figure so different from the candidate many thought was not a president- potential. But there he was, he spoke in all honesty.  Of course we can't get the voting populace's hundred percent thumbs up. But to note that a good percent is satisfied with what they heard, I'm hopeful that given his cabinet's  equally honest support, nothing is impossible.

He started off telling the people where the nation stands, where  the past administration has left, we rise again, this time as one- to look into the present state, identify the most pressing problems and offer probable and feasible solutions. The few he mustered to lay down in his SONA are understandable, he is barely a month in position. We expect enormous concerns this administration will undertake, quite different from its predecessors. As we wait for our expectations, to come true, we need to help out, too.

He mentioned about his plan to move education sector to the right path. As an educator myself, I'm proud of this. It's along this concern where I can do my share because this is  my profession and  I know the perils this sector has been  encountering.  Even via blogging I dare  do my part and start saying, we need leaders in education with the moral strength who can command courage to endure enmities, withstand counterfeit opposition, and bear criticism without necessarily renouncing what is right, not insisting on what they believe is right. We need school administrators who don't compromise principles of good leadership and good relationship in the workplace for personal advantage- those who keep the ideals of education untarnished in the face of doubts and discouragement.

We urgently need schools division superintendents,  principals, head teachers, classroom teachers,  who, by their direct influence to the beneficiaries of the purpose of education, the school children, must by example and affirmation, evoke active, committed, result-oriented participation for this honest cause - the realization of quality education- through leadership by example. Let this be the legacy of President Noynoy to all Filipino children with everybody's help.

We can do it! Let's be an exemplar of morality in our own field of expertise, whether it is a profession, occupation, or vocation. Remember always, "that a public office is a public trust". No one is excluded- from those holding good-paying white-collar jobs down to those doing low-paying menial jobs. We all must share if we want this Filipino vision come true. Let's start now with this mission in mind- to follow the right path. Let's be more vigilant, stop whining and pining, arise from the chronic indolent and complacent attitude. There is light in yonder horizon. Where to, Pinoy?

A Memo to My Former School Chlidren

This idea came up when four of my former school children, of Batch 1998, namely Icy, Shayne, Cristina, and Jeffrey paid me a surprise visit at home last Christmas. According to them, by word of mouth, they learned that I was ill. They were around to spend the holidays at their respective homes. Their meetings became seldom because they are now based in Manila in their various work places. That was their chance to pay me that visit after years of non-communication, 12 years to be exact. Isn't that heart-warming? I was moved!

Over lunch (which they brought) we exchanged notes like we used to do when they were young and we were in better terms. Hahaha! In just a few hours, I learned a lot from them. Shayne was married 1 year ago but with no child yet. Icy is now a secondary school teacher. When I asked why she pursued education, she told me, I was her idol! She was my first honors (valedictorian). Cristina, is now a nurse. Joel was supposed to join them after the repair of his car, but wasn't able to make it. Clarissa couldn't leave her 2 children at Bugallon. Jeffrey arrived after lunch with ice cream for our dessert. He apologized when he learned I am diabetic. I was overwhelmed, I forgot I just came out from the hospital. I was happy to hear from those respectable young adults who were once my children in the elementary school. I was once a part of their early childhood education.

Oh, we had so little time together with so much exchange of how they fared in their pursuit of college education and ended with their chosen careers. They are 24-25 years old. Am I not proud of them? Soooooo proud! When it was time for them to go, we had our pictures taken. Before they went out, I kissed them all goodbye. Jeffrey was teary-eyed. They promised to keep in touch. Shayne is an IT graduate, trying her hand in blogging, so I introduced them to my blog right away. As of this writing, I have already accessed their Facebook and hope the communication goes on. Those children gave me the idea to dedicate something for them, hence the memo in the later part of this blog.

I retired from active service at a time when the public schools were suffering from teacher-shortage problem. So, my retirement was another minus. I was an unwilling retiree but decided I had to go because of my diabetes. Since I belonged to the first batch of master teachers or the so-called, "highest-paid-cream-of-the-crop" of teachers, my early retirement evoked many reactions from my co-teachers and the parents in the community. They lamented over my expertise in teaching that would be lost, stagnate in me, become idle for non-use in the passing of time.

I was not an old doddering teacher who wasted away my time while I was in active service and I refused to allow time ticking away in my retirement. So I searched and I searched until I found blogging. Blogging is a healthy way to keep myself posted in the knowledge society and be continually connected to my human investments to society- no other than my former school children. I taught the grade six "cream-of-the-crop" in Pangapisan Elementary School, Lingayen. I had a grand time, in fairness, teaching those bright pupils.

And I have thought of writing this memo to all my former elementary school pupils in all schools where I taught who were once a part of me.

My children, You, who are now on your own, busy and eager to establish your foothold in society, with your new family, with old and new friends, work associates, are lucky to have pursued your dreams. Your patience, your commitment to self improvement has been paid. I may have forgotten your faces because you have grown into young adults now, but your names still ring a bell, a familiar tone in my ears. I will never forget your childhood days under me. The bitter-sweet memories of your foundation education with my strict tutorials.

This memo will hopefully bring back yesteryears lived in the way we all played our parts. Sorry if I was very strict with you all. But you knew I never played favorites. You were all treated equal, although you performed differently. Remember my favorite expression Icy? "If I couldn't make you cry, you are a loser!" Hahaha! How you made me tremble when you poured out your feelings in that memorable declamation piece. It was a landslide win! Because you bore it all, you didn't freak out when I trained you that hard.

Do you still remember your children's activities in school? Were you members of our Drum and Lyre? the school Dance Troupe, the choir? Well, if you were a candidate in our pupil government elections, how did it feel to win a slot? I saw you in a different dimension in your extra- curricular activities. You were happy, carefree, and very eager to perform during those programs in school. Those activities bring back nostalgic memories of your hardships which you unselfishly gave in support to our projects. Thank you for that.

During our annual pupil government elections, can you now see how useful to you those experiences of a young member of the society? You now belong to a bigger community, apply those learnings we, your teachers, painstakingly taught you. You can now polish your talents for a better you. I know you will never forget our recitation days. Do you think you had enough skills in English after our brow-burning lessons? Do you realize why I made you read, read, and read those stories in our reading class? I want you to know that I tried my best to instill good study habits in you. How's your reading comprehension now? I strongly believe you are doing good in the many skills you learned in school.

I will now end my reminiscing of our times together because it would be endless if I don't. I have to make way for my important message to all of you. You are lucky because you are now involved in the affairs of society and our country, whether in your own great or small ways. Don't forget your parents and guardians who stayed by you all the way and who were with you when you started your difficult climb. Love them especially in their old age. If you love me, I have no doubt that you can give the most affection to them.

Don't forget all your other teachers who were part of your personal growth and development from your childhood education to college. They, too, had sacrificed a lot to mold your character. They were your second parents when you were in school. They only thought of your welfare. They are now satisfied that you have successfully acquired for yourselves a better chance to make a difference wheresoever fate brings you.

You belong to my high-level human investment to society. Use your 3 T's- talent, time, and treasure to improve your lot. Be an asset to the society, not a burden. Live a frugal life. Don't flaunt your assets, save for the rainy days. Keep your body strong and healthy. Do you still remember that oft-quoted slogan in our room, "Health is wealth"? Maintain a clean, moral life. Put God in the center of your life. Be grateful to the Lord and never leave His side.

One day, when I open my Facebook and a familiar name pops out of my screen, just to say, "Hello Ma'am, how are you today?" I know that my effort as a teacher was not in vain. You are my contribution to our mutual dream- to become productive members in a highly-competitive society. You are the pride of your Alma Mater. Congratulations! Carry on!

No Hero's Welcome for CNN Hero

Efren Peñaflorida, Jr.,from the Philippines, bagged the prestigious Cable News Network (CNN) Hero 2009 award, over 9 other nominees all over the world, Sunday, November 15. He came home Wednesday midnight, November 25, without much fanfare. He was welcomed at the airport by jubilant relatives and supporters- ordinary people with ordinary lives- like Efren, himself.

There was no hero's welcome for Kuya "F". There was no media blitz. He was not seen with tight securities afforded only to the VIP's. There was not a single high-rank government official who accompanied him to the awards venue, the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. His big contribution to his country's name was too small compared to the popularity ( notoriety? ) of the powerful ruling Ampatuan clan of Maguindanao, who fared in the recent much-celebrated Maguindanao massacre, that took away the limelight from his honorable feat. But in fairness, I learned that he is to be conferred with the Lakandula order, for being a hero.

Just as he plied the forgotten filthy streets of Cavite City, silently, pushing carts filled with books, tables, pens, and chairs, that serve as his "pushcart classroom for the urban poor youth", he vowed to continue unobtrusively, his kind of mobile education advocacy. His simple but highly respectable acceptance speech, " to serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve", penetrates the heart to the core.

This humble 28-year old teacher, a native of Cavite City, and a true-blooded Filipino, epitomizes the Filipino trait "bayanihan" or the spirit of volunteerism. His pioneering mission to bring the classroom to the poor children in the slums to help curb the prevalence of gang memberships in these areas, is the essence of his advocacy. He was nominated to this world renowned search for a hero. And as he waited for the online voting results, he continued unperturbed plying the streets with his volunteer workers he called the Dynamic Teen Company ( DTC ).

Accordingly, he has over 2,000 volunteer members who are involved in teaching basic reading and writing skills among their beneficiaries, the marginalized children, who may have lost interest in attending formal schooling due to poverty. In addition to teaching them these basic skills, they are taught personal hygiene, clearly, to dignify their lot.

This very simple plan that evolves on a gargantuan effort paid off. Kuya "F" brought home his prize reward of $100,000 where 90% of the cash grant will go to Dynamic Teen Company, a part of which he pledges to use to build a gymnasium for his protegees- the under served youths, while the 10% will be for the church. And suddenly, many have noticed him. He is even eyed to join politics- which he politely declined.

I was once a teacher. I know that Kuya "F", the CNN Hero for 2009, is not embarrassed by the seemingly lack of fanfare over his fame. I'm sure that we both share our opinion over this stigma among teachers, that teachers are the unsung heroes, at least in this republic. They come, they go, they fade away. But this time, Kuya "F" leaves his footprints. Congratulations, Teacher Efren!

Video by rotaractmanilametro on YouTube

DISASTERS: SIGNS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ?

Disasters such as typhoons, flash floods, landslides, etc., that are occurring with alarming frequency here in our country and abroad are suspicious signs that climate on earth has been changing. During my school days, I learned from my books in science that Scientists all over the earth prophesied a bleak future headed toward numerous baffling phenomena about the Earth warming up and cooling down. And true enough because not long ago, even the man on the street knew about the El Nino and La Nina phenomena. When the climate or weather patterns on earth is unfavorable say for instance, the amount of rainfall decreases, food production will be affected. Many people will starve. The heating up of the earth's temperature beyond the normal will melt the polar ice caps. Sea level will rise and coastal areas will be under water.

Let me start to review our basic knowledge about climate for the youth who are the heirs of this earth. Climate in a particular place doesn't change quickly. It is because it is influenced by permanent factors like altitude (or the height of a place above sea level), latitude ( or the imaginary lines that run parallel to the equator going north or south), bodies of water, wind system, and amount of rainfall or snowfall a particular area receives for a longer period of time. Climate differs from weather as the latter is that condition of the sky that changes from time to time, from day to day, influenced by cloud formation, water evaporation, location, temperature, wind speed and direction, and rainfall. Climate is the average of all weather conditions prevailing for a longer period of time.

The Philippines sits in the tropics in the Northern Hemisphere near the equator. Due to such location, the country experiences two distinct seasons- the wet season and the dry season. The Philippines has a tropical climate- not very hot, not very cool. In places where it is sunny and dry for months, the climate is dry. Areas that experience longer period of rainy days are described to have wet climate. Elementary grades pupils are very much aware of the following types of Philippine climate, to wit:(reference-Into the Future:Science and Health for Grade Six)

The first type of Philippine climate is open to southwest monsoon. It is described as dry for 6 months (from November to April) and wet for another 6 months (from May to October). The sample areas with this climate are Metro Manila, Baguio, Western Luzon, Panay, Mindoro, Negros Island and Northwest Palawan.

The second type is open to northeast and southwest monsoons, described as without dry season with maximum rainfall from November to January. Some provinces covered are Catanduanes, Daet, Sorsogon, Samar, Eastern Mindanao, Camarines Norte, Quezon, Leyte.

The third type is open to southwest monsoon but is protected in part from the northeast monsoon. Central Cebu, Isabela, Nueva Viscaya, Southern Quezon, Masbate, most of Eastern Negros, Palawan, and parts of Northeastern Mindanao are areas covered by this type.

The fourth experiences rainfall throughout the year and is evenly distributed. This is felt in Davao, Batanes, Northeastern Luzon, Western part of Camarines Norte, Eastern Mindoro and Marinduque.

It is clear that the Philippines experiences four types of climate depending on the amount of rainfall received by a particular area during a particular period of time during the year. However, today, the statistical data above seemed to have changed. I can say this because Western Luzon where Pangasinan, my province, is located, is experiencing wet days even as far as the month of December which is supposedly a dry month in this area. The rains and worse the typhoons are highly unpredictable nowadays. At present times we have more incoming wet All Saints' Days and Christmases in November and December, respectively. If this is not due to climate change, then what is this all about?

Scientists all over the world agree that there is tendency of climate to change. Why there is climate change is an earth issue which these people have been studying, searching for categorical answers all their lives. Scientists have already unearthed evidences since 1940 that the Northern Hemisphere has been cooling off and that the Southern Hemisphere shows signs of warming up but they simply don't understand why. They tend to differ in their views also as to whether the people's activities affect climate.

For example, burning just anything on earth that produces heavy smoke releases great amount of carbon dioxide in the air. This gas popularly known as greenhouse gas acts like glass in a greenhouse that traps heat and retains it longer causing worldwide rise of temperature. While some of these geniuses believe that strengthened greenhouse effect cause ice caps in the north and south poles to melt, others think otherwise. They say that a stronger greenhouse effect will increase moisture in the air and clouds will form. The more clouds the better because clouds will reflect incoming sunlight back to space keeping the earth's temperature in a balance. Excessive dust from farmlands are also said to increase the greenhouse effect that warms the climate, others say that excess dust will reflect sunlight and cool the earth.

To deflect whatever greenhouse gas may cause, however, specially the negative effects, our education sector is bent on making school children aware of the phenomenon of climate change and teaching them their possible contributions to save Mother Earth. Hence, many projects were launched decades ago to address the ill- effects of ecological imbalance in our climate. There were the Sagip-Pasig Movement, Clean and Green Campaign, Proper Garbage Disposal Management, Tree Planting, Adopt-a-Tree Program, and a lot more. The government has been acting on bills passed to protect the environment that have something to do with illegal logging, reforestation, pollution, and other sorts of earth-saving programs..

I, for one, suspects that the disasters that recently devastated a big portion of our country from north to south, are results of climate change and human negligence combined.Too many wind-related disasters like typhoons, tornadoes, hurricanes, cyclones, and storms happening the world over are probable proofs that the world's wind system has changed. Floods that cause landslides and other land falls are possible evidences also of either too much rainfall or a rise in sea water level due to melting ice caps in the high seas and oceans or the two circumstances combined. People in government, those manning the weather forecasts, and those who are identified with dam operations have much to explain why typhoons of Pepeng's nature caught them with their pants down. The damage has been done. They must refrain from this finger-pointing. But they must retrace their policies and their future actions must redeem their negligences or incapacities for the people's sake.

Whatever happened to all those high-fallotin' government programs and projects? Are they just the "ningas-kugon" types now relegated to the backseats? I saw on TV the Senate inquiry directed to the officials of the San Roque Dam here in Pangasinan over their celebrated oversight or negligence in their procedure of releasing excess rain waters that destroyed infrastructures such as concrete dikes and bridges, washed away houses, cost many lives, destroyed plantation and production, overflowed fishponds, caused landslides or landfalls. After all, the people in the neighboring towns who strongly rejected the construction of the dam were right. Why the project was mothballed for sometime due to pressures and construction pushed through after a lull, is to me very suspicious. Now everybody is pointing fingers to everybody but themselves.

We are doomed forever here in Pangasinan, one of the so-called flood plains. Lingayen, my hometown, will eternally become a downstream spillway to Lingayen Beach. Disasters in the future like this first of its kind flooding will irreversibly be blamed to climate change aggravated by heavy rainfalls, never by human errors in government and the NAPOCOR who operates the dams. And before the damage to lives and properties are justifiably rectified, if ever it happens, people will have no more use of their lands. Those who probably can afford to leave their place will relocate and be saved from their nightmares but the least among them, those without money to buy land in safer place, those who are only able to put up houses of light materials, shanties from scraps , on a land probably inherited from their parents, will wait for their own destiny- an obscure one. Life to them is a daily survival from the elements , courtesy of climate change and corruption in government.

Photo by ItzaFineDay