Jeepney Press / Karen Sanchez

The Crucial Continuation Of Life

Konnichiwa to all our kababayan out there!

Blessed be to all who are reading this issue. Praying for the healing of the world from this pandemic and to those who are suffering from this virus, the COVID-19.

The crucial continuation of life is the moment or stage when we are suffering something like failure in such a thing. The critical moment of surviving our daily lives from fighting this pandemic. In every aspect of life, we are affected by this pandemic. Economies are down, jobs lessened, foods and supplies inadequate. Number of hungry people is rising due to the loss of work and companies’ closures and bankruptcy.

Everyday, the number of people suffering from this virus is getting worst which lead us in asking ourselves until when we have to suffer from this? Until when this pandemic ends? Until when do we have to wait for the cure or vaccine? And how will we survive this kind of situation?

This Covid-19 pandemic poses a crucial moment for science and public trust because doctors and government leaders are questioned by their effectivity in responding to Covid 19. In August 28, 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stepped down from his post as he admits he cannot make the best decision for his people in fighting this pandemic due to his illness. Sad but I really admired him for his honesty. I cannot help compairing him with the leaders of our country. Some of our government officials are ill but they do not admit that they are, and it obviously affects their performances as leaders, such as giving wrong and ineffective ways in flattening the curve Covid-19, the overpricing of Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs), the "Balik Probinsya" program which worsened the situation in spreading the virus that caused individuals to be stranded in some places all over the Philippines, the "Laban-Bawi" protocols such as NO Tricycle on the main road is allowed but later they suggested it to the commuters, the No Backriding Policy even to married couples

or people living in the same household, the wearing of face shield while riding motorcycle seems to be the most "stupid" decision ever and the mass testing that never happened even from the returning stranded people because of insufficient supplies of test kits or swab tests available and the fund shortage in local government. School opening which was supposed to start on August 24, 2020 was moved to October 5, 2020.

Philippines is a unique country in corruptions which involves the highest persons in position who resigned in their position due to their "such" illness after they were caught of being involved with their department’s anomalies. Police and military officers involved in criminal activities or offenses are still on their posts or just transferred in other position and just seems like they did not do any violations at all.

The public relies in the true power and society's future. Every public officials must be accountable to the people, to serve with their utmost responsibilities, integrity, loyalty and efficiency. But how can we, the people, trust these kind of leaders? How can we respect the way they perform their jobs, duties and responsibilities? Being a leader is not a joke. People’s lives and

the future are in crucial stage right now, so they must be mindful and think more before giving statements, decisions and mandate rules to implement that may add burdens and sufferings to the people.

Fatality rates increase everyday. Depression, panic and anxiety can end someone’s life. If people in this situation cannot recover then their life is in crucial stage, too. They cannot think as normal people can. They cannot do things that an ordinary men can. Sometimes it leads to suicide and mental blackout or having mental illness. With these disorders, people and the Government should do something to avoid these as they must because prevention is better than cure.

Everyday is a crucial moment. We never know what will happen in every minute of our life. We really don't know what will tomorrow bring, so better to live every second as your last day on this earth. Show compassion, kindness and love to others. Make your day special and make beautiful memories as much as we could. Be prepared for whatever happens in the future so we can close our eyes with no regrets or bitterness.

Continue to choose what is good and be happy for it. Choose what your heart desires even in crucial days. Pray, ask for His guidance and blessing so we can overcome every bad things that may happen in our life. Life is a challenge and God never give burdens that we cannot carry. Keep safe and our faith in Him as we are in our crucial days. God bless us all!

Ngiti

ni Karen Sanchez

Kahit ang mundo ay puno na ng pighati

Hindi pa rin naman natin mapigilang ngumiti

At minsan kahit pa ang mga luha ay ikinukubli

Makikitaan pa rin ng ngiti ang ating mga labi

Masaklap man ang mga pangyayari

Pasalamat minsa'y sa labi ay namumutawi

Sabihin mang nagkukulang tayo sa salapi

Kaligayahan minsan ay hindi pa rin maikukubli

Sa araw-araw ng ating paggising

Ito ay biyayang dapat nating damhin

Pagkat hindi lahat ay may panahon pang magising

At may lakas na ang mundo ay kaya pang harapin

Kaya sa kahit anumang pagssubok ang darating

At anumang pahirap at pasakit na maangkin

Huwag na huwag bibitiw sa Panalangin

Pagkat ang Diyos handa tayong dinggin

Ngumiti ay huwag pigilan

At ang buhay ay pasalamatan

Dahil may pag-asa pang nakaabang

Tiwala lang at ito ay ating makakamtan