“Now listen, it’s time for America—especially white America—to take a seat and reflect. For years, y’all looked down on “third world” countries like the Philippines, dismissing their struggles with floods, global warming, and climate change like it wasn’t your problem. But look at you now. After Hurricane Helene, your homes are washed away, gas stations are in chaos, and where are your politicians? Where are the presidential candidates you put so much faith in?
Remember Hurricane Katrina? Black families left to die, roofs caving in while they waited for help that never came. Well, now the tables have turned, and guess who’s stepping up? Migrants, Black people, Filipinos, and other minorities—the very ones you ignored and disrespected. The people you wrote off are the ones bringing aid, compassion, and action while your political leaders are nowhere to be found -as of this article.
Last month, the Philippines was underwater, talking about climate change, but America turned a blind eye. Now, Mother Nature is here to humble you.
We’re all in this together, like it or not.
It’s time to stop acting like you’re untouchable. Nature doesn’t care about your politics or race—it’ll bring you to your knees the same way it does to everyone else. Maybe now, you’ll see that what affects the world affects us all, no matter where we come from. It’s time to open your eyes and realize that being human connects us all.” -Kareem Jackson, US Executive Publisher, PH MAG Int’l
As Hurricane Helene continues to ravage the Carolinas, a grim reality unfolds. Communities once dismissive of climate change, some known for their conservative stance, are now facing the wrath of nature head-on. With over 130 lives lost -so far- and infrastructure obliterated, it’s clear that something bigger is at play—whether we call it global warming or simply a shifting environment.
As thousands line up at gas stations with only a limited supply of fuel, tensions are boiling over, and even reports of gunfire have emerged. Over five days since the storm’s devastation, people are asking: where are the U.S. presidential candidates? Kamala Harris has raised over $1 billion for her campaign, but there are no fleets of helicopters rescuing stranded citizens. Both major political parties seem to have let these people down—particularly those in deeply US Republican territories.
In stark contrast, the Philippines faced a similar disaster last month.
Our team at The Studio and our Women’s Wellness Retreat guests experienced flooding firsthand, yet we were able to prepare and recover with resilience. Why? Because in the Philippines, we have learned to take proactive steps to handle such disasters, a reality that feels painfully absent in parts of the U.S.
5 Steps We Take in The Philippines to Prepare for Major Floods:
- Early Evacuation Plans: Local communities are always prepared for evacuation. Shelters are designated, and essential items like food, water, and medicine are pre-packed.
- Stocking Essentials: Before floods hit, citizens stock up on food, water, and essentials to ensure they can survive several days of isolation.
- Secure Homes with Concrete Construction: Houses are often built from strong materials like concrete, able to withstand the brutal forces of nature. This is a stark contrast to the vulnerable wooden structures often seen in the U.S.
- Community Alerts: Advanced warning systems and local communication channels ensure people are aware of impending danger.
- Clear Drainage Systems: Communities routinely clean drainage systems to prevent flooding from escalating into uncontrollable disasters.
5 Steps We Take in The Philippines to Recover After a Flood:
- Immediate Clean-Up Crews: The moment floodwaters recede, organized clean-up crews are dispatched to clear debris and reopen roads.
- Relief Distribution: Relief goods, food, and drinking water are distributed to affected families quickly by the government and non-profit groups.
- Health and Sanitation Checks: Medical teams ensure that people don’t fall victim to diseases brought on by stagnant water or contamination.
- Rebuilding with Strength: Homes are often rebuilt with stronger materials to better prepare for future disasters.
- Community Spirit and Support: Recovery is done as a community effort. Neighbors support each other through rebuilding and sharing resources.
“Where are the migrants, now?” -NC Residents
The irony now, in the U.S., is that some who once criticized migrants and immigrants for supposedly ‘draining resources’ now find themselves in a vulnerable position. Suddenly, the people once vilified—those who might have fled from similar destruction in their home countries—look a lot better in the eyes of these storm-ravaged Americans.
Mother Nature, as it turns out, doesn’t care about your politics.
Surprisingly, the glaring absence of immediate support for these successful communities—much like New Orleans (black American communities) during Hurricane Katrina—raises important questions.
Black Americans are notably absent from this story, much like they were overlooked during past crises, and the supposed unity of national politics seems more fractured than ever.
At The Philippines Magazine International, we boast around 50% expat or tourists readership, and we urge our American readers to take a step back and reflect. You are not red, blue, Black, white, or brown; you are American, you are human.
Nature is the great equalizer.
We hope the world sees that we are all interconnected, and together, we can learn from these events. For those facing devastation in the Carolinas, we send our solidarity—and encourage the world to learn from the preparedness, community spirit, and resilience of the Filipino people.
