“We know what we are but know not what we may be.” –William Shakespeare

When Iloilo was struck by calamity, Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 and Typhoon Ursula last month, assistance poured in from across the country; additionally, with the world is watching, foreign assistance followed suit. Despite severe damage to agriculture and infrastructure, localities across the province managed to bounce back. Ilonggos have been blessed and, as a result, in times of need, the country can always count on them as they know how to reciprocate kindness.
It should be no surprise that Ilonggos were among the first to respond when the Taal Volcano erupted recently.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas vowed to send financial assistance and other aid to those affected by the eruption. The donation, which is currently being finalized by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, is expected to be sent before the Dinagyang Festival highlights, which take place this weekend.
According to volcanologists, “An eruption could rain rocks and magma, and set off a tsunami from the lake in which the volcano sits.”
Thick ash fall reportedly cloaked many towns in Batangas, resulting in millions of dollars’ worth of damage to crops. Ash clouds were then blown 62 miles toward Manila, forcing hundreds of flight cancelations.
Scientists also noted, “Cracks were reported to have emerged around the volcano, which raises the likelihood of an imminent major eruption.”
In addition, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported the threat level at the Taal Volcano remains at a Level 4, which is one short of an active eruption.

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Hopefully the police will not stain the Dinagyang Festival with the blood of suspect drug offenders.
Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) deputy director, Police Lt. Colonel Jovie Espenido, who also heads the city’s local drug enforcement unit, recently told drug offenders “they have only one month,” adding, “everything has an end.”
Any crackdown will have a spillover into Iloilo City.
While the no-nonsense stance is laudable, he needs better timing. Why not eliminate bad elements when important events, which attract visitors from around the world, are not ongoing?

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Alex P. Vidal, who is based in New York City, used to be the editor for two local dailies in Iloilo./WDJ