Simple words but worth so much more because they are expressed with the whole heart of a nation that went through a very recent harrowing experience of devastation and very quickly received such grand and great show of support from many nations of the world. The visuals that graced these words of gratitude were ‘tourism’ photos- glossy, featuring beautiful Philippine spots, dominated by people smiles, playful kids, fun- loving adults, and everyday activities performed with a lot of zest and energy. Yes, even after the disaster, we did not display photos of a broken and miserable people in despair of what to do after the havoc wrought but instead, faces smiles and determination of the Filipinos’ intent to rise up after the devastation.
Nearing the first 100 days after typhoon ‘Haiyan’, said to be the world’s strongest ever recorded, the Department of Tourism caused the set up of giant billboards of thanks in many of the most visited cities of the world- big ‘MERCI’ at the facade of Gallerie Lafayette in Paris;’ Thank you, UK’ seen at Picadilly Circus in London; ‘ ARIGATO’ for the aid and support’ up high in one of the tall buildings along Shibuya crossing in Tokyo, ‘DANKE, Germany,’ in historic Berlin; ‘THANK YOU!’ in strategically- set billboards New York City, Toronto Canada, and Australia to let the Americans, Canadians and Australians know that we are truly touched by their gesture of support and thank them profusely even as we start rebuilding our lives.
It was a shocked world that viewed the photos and video materials gathered by journalists and ordinary folks who luckily had their photographic gadgets with them to record the scene as giant waves from the surrounding ocean literally wiped out homes and other structures in the city, crushed concrete roads and bridges, and caused the loss of many lives among residents. Storm surges, weathermen termed it and now, Pinoys truly know what this term means.
The aftermath- Awesome and overwhelming were many nations’ quick response to Haiyan victims of Eastern Visayas (the typhoon smashed some 171 cities and towns in this area). It started with rescue missions (medical, engineering teams planed or shipped in to augment Philippine efforts. First to appear on the scene were Israeli and Japanese teams who helped rescue victims from under collapsed buildings and structures), relief activities where crates containing tons of food supply, medicine, blankets to warm victims’ bodies and yes, even drinking water were shipped or flown then distributed, and now, the long and difficult road to rehabilitation- the cash, checks and pledges, the technical expertise, and the continuing concern as evidenced in the regular monitoring of activities started and implemented to get the survivors back on their feet once more.
I congratulate the Tourism Department on the very inspired concept for this media and social network campaign. The big hearts, the donors who came to see Haiyan’s aftermath for them will quickly identify the message. Most them who were with the refugees even for just a few days quickly observed the Pinoys’ resilience and effort to be up and about after being hit by misfortune. They were awed by this Pinoy trait. They were also witness to the Pinoy spirit of community, of helping out one’s neighbor even as he needed help himself- a victim coming to the assistance of a fellow victim, sharing whatever food is given, consoling and inspiring each other in these times of hardship. Truly, these survivors will not be ‘meek’ receivers of foreign aid and support. On the contrary, they will be active workers, perhaps the moving force that can make all the big plans of government for Eastern Visayas work and succeed.
One more time- I echo this country’s appreciation to all the big and good hearts of this world that came to lend a hand at the time we needed assurance and support.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH, CANADA!
THANK YOU, WORLD!
THANK YOU, TORONTO!
