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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.

We have more reasons to be thankful for this Christmas, and one of them is our improving health situation compared to the previous year’s. Thanks to the massive vaccination and observance of health protocols, we can celebrate the occasion safely with our family in a more festive setting.

Our people deserve a Happy Christmas this year. After prolonged lockdowns, anxiety about their jobs and their future, Filipinos deserve to celebrate this coming holiday with a sense of normalcy and, of course, cautious celebration. And you can feel it building up, with the cool, crisp air, the return of traffic, the sound of Christmas jingles and people chatting over dinner or coffee. A lot of people have been vacationing as well. Flights have not returned to pre-pandemic levels but destinations like Boracay, Tagaytay, Palawan and the like have seen the influx of many local tourists.