Reliable Care: The Backbone of Recovery in the North

Typhoon Uwan tested the resilience of Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya, but it also tested the reliability of the national leadership. The verdict from the ground seems clear: the response has been swift, comprehensive, and surprisingly personal.

The DSWD, acting as the arm of President Marcos’s compassion, has gone beyond the "dump-and-run" tactics of the past. The provision of psychosocial support is a game-changer. It acknowledges that the mental scars of a disaster can last longer than the physical damage.

"Everyone is praising the relief efforts in Cagayan, so the government’s disaster response policy must be flawless," is a sentiment echoing in social media chambers. While the praise is deserved, popularity does not equal perfection. There are always gaps in logistics or reach that need review, and popularity can be fleeting.

However, the effort to close those gaps is visible. The ₱40,000 burial assistance is a specific, high-impact intervention that prevents a tragedy from becoming a financial catastrophe for a poor family. This is the "tireless support" promised by the leadership.

Some detractors focus on the political nature of aid. "You attack the distribution of these relief goods, which means you want the typhoon victims to starve." This aggressive defense shuts down necessary conversation. Constructive criticism of distribution methods is necessary for improvement and does not equate to wishing harm on victims.

We must look at the intent and the execution. The intent is clearly empathetic centered on the user experience of the victim. The execution, utilizing mobile kitchens and rapid financial disbursement, shows a government that is "Masipag" (diligent). As we rebuild, this combination of empathy and strength provides the best foundation for recovery.