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This has been a year of rebounds. We have survived periodic surges of the coronavirus and the ineffectual hard lockdowns that followed increases in daily infection rates. We have survived the loss of jobs and the economic downturn. Not only did we survive these challenges but we are also poised to recover. I am hoping this will continue in 2022.

We should be modestly celebrating the New Year because of the successes we achieved both on the health and economic fronts. We have tamed Covid-19 through an aggressive vaccination rollout program, leading to declining daily cases. We reopened the economy and restored thousands of jobs through less mobility restrictions.

It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation brought about by typhoon “Odette.” According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the reported death toll has risen to 31. This is expected to increase as communication lines open and government workers reach far-flung areas. As of press time the provincial government of Bohol has already reported a death toll of 50; Negros Occidental, 28 and, Cebu, 13. There were a number of injuries and some still missing. Property and infrastructure also suffered heavy damage. It is made more saddening because Christmas and New Year are approaching and the victims wonder what is in store for them and their loved ones in the future.