Typhoon Ondoy ravaged northern Philippines and the emotions of the Filipinos in Sydney were running higher than the water levels with all logic sinking into oblivion.
In answer to the clarion call, people were quick to jump – “Oh, bless their generous souls!” However, not everyone was thinking of the details. With emotions running an all time high, no one wanted to be questioned how donations were going to be sent and who were the exact designated beneficiaries in the Philippines. Dare to ask a question and you were pounced on with remarks such as: “Don’t be cynical. This is not the time to be political!” But how could anyone pass on the relief appeal when no one really had the exact and accurate information to pass on? And not surprisingly, no one really knew.
Unable to ask for clarification, is it any wonder that the community thrives on miscommunication? Besides, the past has showed how donation collectors have easily diverted funds to other causes other than that for which it was initially advertised. Questions are justified if only to inform all givers where their donations were going. Regrettably, the rule was “Thou shall not ask!”
From the observation deck, it was easy to see the confusion that prevailed though some wrapped in their own sense of importance could not see the road ahead. It was like Metro Manila’s peak hour traffic with no one to direct the traffic and no stop lights. Everyone scampered in different directions; each one on their own imaginary lane way that led to nowhere; some inching their own way for their own sneaky gain. It was difficult to ascertain those with genuine generosity in their hearts and those pretentious “trying hards”.
People played tug-o-war for donors, recipients and credits. PCC remained as elusive as ever with no actual answers and the occasional mention of “PADER” when no one really understood or knew what “PADER” was, unless it’s an actual wall standing somewhere with a secret fund. The only thing we got was silence, unreturned phone calls, roundabout answers – all evasion tactics. It was like hitting a brick wall.
But for all the rush, the urgency, and immediacy required, donations have been sitting in club coffers a month hence. Why? Are they waiting for the next typhoon? Some air cargo sat at the customs in the Philippines for a week waiting for payment prior to release.
Someone even posed the question, “where are they now?” Where were all the clubs that were resurrected during PCC elections. Where was FILCCA in all these? Perhaps they did do their bit and I was simply out of the email loop because I asked too many relevant questions.
There were even those who suggested and wanted to write to the Australian Government to complain why more aid was given elsewhere. Oh my, I sure hope they were kidding as it would have been so embarrassing and beyond the scope of comprehension!
Perhaps though, this is the one time that the splintered community paid off as there were more donations coming and reaching more recipients than if there was one focal point which obviously there was none.
…………………..
Another ‘thou shall not ask’ case scenario, was during the recent FAME AGM. Cr. Jess Diaz was a guest and was invited by Mr. Bartolome to speak. Mr. Bobby Lastica dared to ask Cr. Diaz, “What have you done?” In a voice pitch an octave higher, Cr. Diaz responded, “This is so typical. Instead of asking, why don’t you attend and see what happens at a council meeting. I cannot do anything. I am the minority. You should watch me and see how I yell at them.”
Whaattt? Why would anyone waste their time watching somebody yell? If someone has to yell to get their message across then they would have failed communications 101. Personally, I think, I’ll pass. If I really wanted to learn how to yell, I would rather watch a sporting event or a rock concert where the fans are really screaming and passions spilling over. Watch a San Beda – Ateneo game and lose yourself in it.
Oh well, one can only hope. However hope comes from the point of desperation. Hope floats.
