As the nation commemorates Undas, we take stock of the swathe of destruction that befell many parts of our country — from North to South — brought about by calamitous events, most recently Severe Tropical Storm Paeng and the Magnitude 6.4 Earthquake in Abra.

It is unfortunate that in a season of remembering our departed loved ones, our national consciousness has to deal with the tragic loss of lives and massive damage in infrastructure.

Our profound sympathies go to the families and communities who suffered most from the wrath of Mother Nature — whose homes were destroyed, whose livelihoods were lost, and whose loved ones were taken away.

On our part, we promise to help our people retrieve their loved ones, restore their health and well being, repair their homes and recover their livelihoods.

Let us take this opportunity to pray for our country that it may be spared from disasters while strengthening our collective faith and resilience as a people.

By God’s grace, we shall overcome.