AMIDST CALAMITY, BAYANIHAN SCORES!

Amid calamity brought by tropical storm Ondoy(Ketsana), Filipinos not just in the Philippines but, all over the world came as one nation, all displaying Bayanihan (spirit of oneness and unity) as country faces aftermath of huge damages on properties, infrastructures and loss of lives.

As of this writing, 73 confirmed death, 23 missing and more than 340,000 families were displaced all over Metro Manila; the National Capital Region, 90% of Rizal and 80% of Central Luzon were recorded by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

Although, tolls continue to rise, consolidated efforts of Filipinos from all walks of life, not just in the Philippines but, around the globe continue to pour as well.

Migrante International Middle East News Bureau urged Filipino community in the Middle East and its members to participate in collecting donations.

"We will mobilize our Migrante chapters and member-organizations into coordinating bodies in their respective countries that will spearhead gathering of donations, goods, and clothes for the relief operations of our allied non-government organizations in Metro Manila," said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-ME regional coordinator and Migrante Sectoral Party Vice Chairperson told the Associated Press.

Filipino-Americans all over US are using twitter, facebook and different blogs to gather donations of all sorts.

Metro Manila locals who are not affected by the calamity expressed support by participating and volunteering on rescue operations, working on various relief centers and donating foods, clothes, medicines, bottled water and many others.

It is highly moving to see all Kababayans come together as one, as the country deals with the outrageous outcome of the disaster. However, I just hope politicians; especially the ones who are aspiring for Presidency won't use this devastating calamity for their political ambitions.

Victims need actions! They need foods; canned goods, water, clothings, medicines, linens; beddings and of course money; to help them get their feet back.They don't need superficial smiles and shake hands. This simply isn't a good time for grandstanding and politicking.

There are quite a few who were frustrated with the government's effort to rescue stranded victims. But, what they don't know is that many men from Marines and Special Task Force have already sacrificed their lives to save others. Some got hurt and some even died.

The only reason why, some rescue operations failed or might have taken long time, was simply because the water is too high and that government vehicles aren't that geared enough to counter the flood, which most are above 5 to 20-feet high.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo already went her way to the highly affected areas of Marikina and Pasig. She's also scheduled to check all of Central Luzon and Rizal, to reach out to the victims and make sure they are safe.

Meanwhile, although, all storm signals were already lifted by PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), schools in all levels, in Rizal and Metro Manila will remain suspended until Tuesday.

For fellow OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) who are interested in donating, please check out ABS CBN 2 and GMA 7 websites. Also, the NDCC and the Philippine National Red Cross; they are all currently accepting donations for Ondoy victims.